Ex-Senator Mushtaq Freed After Gaza Flotilla Interception

ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad was among more than 100 pro-Palestinian activists released on Friday after Israeli forces intercepted Gaza-bound aid vessels in international waters, turning the humanitarian flotilla into a fresh diplomatic flashpoint for Pakistan and several other countries.

The activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian maritime mission that set sail from Barcelona on April 12 with the stated aim of carrying humanitarian assistance toward Gaza. The convoy was stopped near Greece after Israeli forces seized a number of vessels before they could continue their journey.

According to flotilla organisers and international reporting, an Israeli military vessel later transferred 168 crew members to Greek boats, which carried them to the island of Crete. Buses and medical support were present when the released activists reached shore, while two members of the mission remained in Israeli custody for questioning.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Mushtaq Ahmad’s release, saying the former senator had been detained along with other humanitarian workers. Dar thanked Greek authorities for facilitating him in Crete and also acknowledged Turkiye’s support for arranging his onward movement toward Istanbul before his expected return to Pakistan.

Dar strongly criticised the detention of the flotilla participants and said Pakistan would continue supporting Palestinians. He also appreciated the Foreign Office and Pakistan’s embassy in Athens for their role in coordinating the response after the Pakistani national was detained during the maritime interception.

The incident gained rapid attention in Pakistan because Mushtaq Ahmad, a former Jamaat-i-Islami senator, has been active in pro-Palestinian advocacy and had shared updates from the flotilla before communications were disrupted. In one video message before the interception, he said the convoy was under attack and that several boats had been captured.

The wider dispute centres on Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which international activists have repeatedly attempted to challenge through maritime missions. Israel argues that such flotillas are unlawful efforts to breach its naval restrictions, while organisers describe them as peaceful humanitarian initiatives aimed at drawing attention to the severe crisis facing civilians in Gaza.

Flotilla organisers alleged that some detained activists were mistreated aboard an Israeli vessel, including claims of inadequate food, water and harsh handling. Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the mission’s legitimacy, described the organisers as provocateurs and said it would not allow its naval blockade of Gaza to be breached.

Pakistan, along with 10 other countries, condemned the Israeli action against the flotilla and described the detention of humanitarian activists in international waters as a violation of international and humanitarian law. Spain also summoned Israel’s representative, while European officials said they were closely monitoring the situation with concern.

The development is likely to intensify public debate in Pakistan over Gaza, humanitarian access and Islamabad’s diplomatic role in supporting Palestinians. The immediate next steps will include Mushtaq Ahmad’s return arrangements, continued efforts for the release of the remaining detained activists and further international pressure over aid access to Gaza.