Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan has been released from Israeli custody, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Tuesday.

After his release, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said that Israelis set dogs on him and other activists of the Gaza aid flotilla and subjected them to brutal torture.

Mushtaq Ahmad Khan was detained by Israeli forces along with others from the “Global Sumud Flotilla” that was carrying aid to Gaza.

Following his detention, the Pakistan government launched diplomatic efforts, which ultimately secured his release.

Confirming the development, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Mushtaq Ahmad Khan’s release was the result of Pakistan’s effective diplomatic efforts.

He added that authorities were making arrangements for the former senator’s return.

After his release, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan reached Jordan and, in a video message, said that Israeli forces had subjected him to severe mistreatment while in custody.

He said, “They set dogs on us, forced us to wear shackles, and subjected us to physical and psychological torture.”

He added that he was held in an Israeli jail for five to six days, after which he and 150 other activists were released.

Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said he is currently in Jordan and plans to return to Pakistan soon.

He declared, “We will continue our struggle until the liberation of Al Aqsa Mosque from the clutches of the Israeli army.”

Dar confirms release

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday confirmed that former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who was illegally detained by the Israeli occupying forces, has been released and is now safe at the Pakistan Embassy in Amman.

“I am pleased to confirm that former Senator Mushtaq has been released and is now safely with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman. He is in good health and high spirits,” the deputy PM wrote on his official X handle.

He said the embassy stands ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan, in accordance with his wishes and convenience.

“I am pleased to extend our gratitude to all our friendly countries who actively engaged and assisted in this behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan,” Dar added.