Pakistan 'actively engaged with international partners to ensure safe return of flotilla activists': FO

The Foreign Office said on Sunday that it was in contact with international partners to ensure the safety and swift return of Pakistani nationals detained by Israeli forces after they intercepted a flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade and deliver humanitarian aid earlier this week.

Among those in Israeli custody is former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan.

“Through the diplomatic channels of a friendly European country, we have confirmed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad is in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces and is safe and in good health,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

It added that “in accordance with local legal procedures, senator Mushtaq will be presented before a court. Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis.”

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Statement by the Spokesperson on Media Inquiries Concerning Pakistani Nationals Aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 5, 2025

A group of 137 activists detained by Israel for participating in a flotilla that attempted to deliver aid to Gaza arrived in Türkiye on Saturday following their deportation. Two of the returnees claimed that Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was mistreated during her detention.

Those deported to Türkiye included 36 Turkish nationals, along with citizens from the United States, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan.

The group landed at Istanbul Airport, where they were received by Turkish officials and supporters.