Amman: Former Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan has shared harrowing details of his detention in an Israeli prison following his release and arrival at the Pakistan embassy in Amman, Jordan.
In his first video message since regaining freedom, Mushtaq vowed to continue the struggle for Palestine’s liberation, declaring, “From Adiala Jail to Israeli jails, the fight will go on.” Recounting his ordeal, he said, “Our hands were cuffed behind our backs, our feet shackled, our eyes blindfolded—and dogs were set upon us. Guns were pointed at us, and we were subjected to brutal torture.” He added that detainees were denied air, drinking water, and medical aid, prompting a three-day hunger strike.
Global Sumud Flotilla Raid
Mushtaq had led the Pakistani delegation aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a 45-vessel humanitarian mission that departed from Spain last month with aid for Gaza. The flotilla included around 500 activists and human rights advocates from various countries, among them environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg. As the convoy neared Gaza, Israeli naval forces intercepted the vessels and detained all those on board before deporting them.
The former senator revealed he spent nearly six days in Israeli custody, enduring what he described as “mental and physical torment.” He was later released along with his companions and has since reached Jordan, where he plans to return to Pakistan soon.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Mushtaq’s release on Tuesday, stating that he was “in good health and high spirits” after arriving at the Pakistan embassy in Amman. “The embassy stands ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan at his wish,” Dar posted on X, expressing gratitude to friendly nations—especially Jordan—for their “active engagement and generous support.”
The Foreign Office (FO) earlier noted that it had been in continuous coordination with international partners to ensure the safety and swift repatriation of Pakistanis detained by Israel. It confirmed that legal procedures for Mushtaq’s deportation were expedited with Jordan’s assistance.
Pakistan, along with several other countries, condemned Israel’s “dastardly attack” on the humanitarian flotilla. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had called for the immediate release of all detainees and personally assured JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman that the government was actively working to bring Mushtaq and other Pakistani nationals home safely.
