The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that several Pakistani nationals — including former senator Mushtaq Ahmed — are currently in the custody of Israeli occupation forces after participating in the Gaza Samoud Flotilla, which was intercepted en route to Gaza.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the government is making intensive diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe and immediate repatriation of its citizens.

In a statement, spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed that Mushtaq Ahmed is safe and in good health.

He added that any legal proceedings against him will be conducted in accordance with international protocols, and the former senator is expected to appear before an Israeli court.

The Foreign Office said that the status and well-being of Mushtaq Ahmed were verified through diplomatic channels via a friendly European country.

The spokesperson noted that once a deportation order is issued, arrangements will be made for Mushtaq Ahmed’s return to Pakistan.

“The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to ensuring the safety and early release of all its citizens,” the statement added, emphasising that Pakistan is raising the matter on humanitarian grounds at international forums to ensure the protection of all Samoud Flotilla participants under international law.

The Samoud Flotilla set sail from Spain on August 31, with additional vessels joining the convoy along its route.

However, it was intercepted by the Israeli navy roughly 70 nautical miles off Gaza’s coast, and several activists were detained.

Meanwhile, 137 social activists from the flotilla who were released from Israeli custody have arrived in Istanbul.

Among them are 36 Turkish nationals, as well as volunteers from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Algeria, Mauritania, Malaysia, Bahrain, Morocco, Switzerland, and Tunisia.

According to Arab media, around 450 activists remain in Israeli custody, including Pakistani nationals and former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, Turkish journalist Ersin Çelik made alarming revelations, stating that many flotilla activists had been subjected to physical abuse while in Israeli custody.

Çelik alleged that well-known climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those assaulted and was forced to kiss the Israeli flag.

He further reported that Thunberg was treated with particular cruelty despite being a minor.

Despite the Israeli military’s aggression, a second flotilla carrying humanitarian aid has already set sail toward Gaza, comprising international activists from various countries.