Islamabad, October 9, 2025: Former Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan returned to Pakistan on Thursday following his release from Israeli custody, arriving in Islamabad from Amman, Jordan, aboard a private airline.
Ahmad received a warm welcome from party supporters and well-wishers upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Ahmad’s release in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the former senator was “safe and with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman.” Dar added that the embassy was fully facilitating his return to Pakistan “in accordance with his wishes and convenience.”
The deputy premier also extended gratitude to “all countries who actively engaged and assisted” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in securing Ahmad’s release from Israeli detention.
Mushtaq Ahmad was arrested by Israeli forces last week while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying food and medical aid for besieged Gaza. He was leading a five-member Pakistani delegation aboard the humanitarian mission.
The Foreign Office (FO) had earlier stated that its embassy in Jordan was “working tirelessly to ensure the safe evacuation” of the former senator, and that his return was expected “within the next few days.” The FO had also noted that, under local procedures, Ahmad was expected to appear briefly before a court prior to release.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising over 40 civilian boats and around 500 parliamentarians, lawyers, and human rights activists, was launched to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing blockade.
Ahmad’s return marks the conclusion of a tense diplomatic episode that drew widespread attention across Pakistan, with political leaders and rights activists calling for his immediate release and condemning Israel’s actions against the humanitarian convoy.
