Former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who was arrested by Israeli forces while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, has been released. The confirmation came from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who said Mushtaq is now at the Pakistani Embassy in Amman, Jordan, and in good health.
Dar shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), noting that Mushtaqβs βhealth is good and his spirits are high.β He added that the Pakistani embassy is assisting with his safe return and thanked the friendly nations that helped secure his release through diplomatic efforts.
Mushtaq Ahmed was detained by Israeli forces while trying to deliver food and essential supplies to Palestinians in the war-hit Gaza Strip. The region has been under heavy blockade since the start of the latest conflict.
After spending nearly a week in Israeli custody, Mushtaq was released and appeared in a video message confirming his freedom. In the statement, he described the harsh conditions he and others faced during detention, calling it βthe worst torture.β He said detainees were denied basic facilities, including clean drinking water, and held in difficult prison conditions.
βI have reached Jordan with 150 colleagues after being released,β Mushtaq said. βWe were imprisoned for carrying food and aid for Gaza, but our determination remains firm. We will continue our struggle until Gaza is free.β
Despite the ordeal, Mushtaq reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Palestinians, emphasizing that the suffering only strengthened his resolve.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistanβs strong support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and expressed relief over Mushtaqβs safety. He assured that the government will ensure the senatorβs safe return home.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by aid workers in the region, as Israeli forces continue their operations amid growing international calls for humanitarian access to Gaza.
In other news read more about: Former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Arrested as Israeli Forces Seize Gaza Flotilla