WEB DESK: The Pakistan embassy in Jordan confirmed late on Wednesday that former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan has safely departed for Pakistan, days after being detained by Israeli authorities for participating in a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.
Khan had led the Pakistani delegation on the 45-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail from Spain last month to break Israel’s blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The convoy included hundreds of international activists and political figures, among them Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. However, before reaching its destination, Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla, detaining those on board before deporting them.
Alhamdulillah, Senator Mushtaq Ahmad has safely departed for Pakistan.
In accordance with the instructions of the Honorable Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Embassy of Pakistan in Amman ensured all necessary arrangements were made for his safe and smooth departure.… pic.twitter.com/jjy30Tnrdm— Pakistan Embassy Jordan (@PakinJordan) October 8, 2025
In a post on X, the Pakistan embassy in Amman said it had ensured all necessary arrangements for Khan’s “safe and smooth departure,” acting on instructions from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reposted the embassy’s update, confirming that the former senator was on his way home.
Earlier on Wednesday, Dar had spoken with his Jordanian counterpart, Ayman Safadi, thanking him for Jordan’s assistance in receiving the released detainees and facilitating their onward travel. Dar also appreciated the Jordanian government’s help in ensuring Khan’s safe return.
Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan reaches Jordan, FM Dar confirms
On Tuesday, FM Dar had confirmed that Khan was in contact with the Pakistani mission in Amman and “in good health and high spirits.” He lauded the former senator’s courage for joining the Global Sumud Flotilla “in support of the Palestinian cause and the people of Gaza.”
Meanwhile, Khan himself posted a video message after his release, saying he had endured harsh treatment during Israeli detention, including handcuffing, shackling, and limited access to water and medicine. He said the activists went on a three-day hunger strike in protest.
“The fight to end the siege of Gaza is not over,” he said. “We will go again and again — until the blockade is broken.”