Pakistan Demands Safe Return of Citizens After Gaza Flotilla Arrests by Israel
Pakistan Demands Safe Return of Citizens After Gaza Flotilla Arrests
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s Foreign Office has called the Global Sumud Flotilla an important humanitarian mission and a symbol of international solidarity, while condemning Israel for violating international law.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office emphasized concerns over the safety of the Pakistani citizens on board the flotilla. “The safety of Pakistanis is the government’s top priority,” the spokesperson said, noting that Pakistan, along with 15 other countries, had highlighted these concerns in a joint statement on September 16.
The spokesperson also reiterated that Pakistan does not recognize Israel as a state and is actively in contact with international partners to secure the release of its citizens. “Pakistan is committed to the early and safe return of its citizens,” the statement added.
Pakistan reaffirmed its strong support for the Palestinian people, stressing their right to self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The statement comes after Israeli forces detained Pakistan’s former senator, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, along with dozens of other activists, during the interception of the aid flotilla bound for Gaza, advocacy groups reported Thursday. The Pak-Palestine Forum confirmed the arrest on its official X account, stating that “Pakistani Delegation Lead, Ex-Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, has been arrested by Israeli Occupying Forces.”
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain last month, consisted of around 45 vessels carrying humanitarian supplies, politicians, and international activists, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The flotilla aimed to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, where the United Nations has warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis and growing risk of famine.
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