Civil society staged a Karachi protest Gaza flotilla on Thursday outside the Press Club, demanding the release of detained Pakistani activists. The five-member delegation, led by former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, was onboard the Gaza Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli forces. The flotilla carried more than 400 activists from 40 countries, aiming to deliver aid and break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
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Organized by the Pakistan Palestine Forum, the Palestine Action Coalition, and the Human Rights Council of Pakistan, the protest gathered people of all ages. Demonstrators carried placards and shouted slogans for a free Palestine. They urged the government to act quickly and ensure the safe return of the Pakistani delegation held by Israel.
Women, families, and youth joined the rally, expressing deep frustration over the government’s silence. Protesters said ordinary citizens were forced to take to the streets to demand justice. Some compared Pakistan’s response with Colombia, which expelled Israeli diplomats after its nationals were detained on the same flotilla. Participants said Pakistan must choose the right side of history and stand with Palestine.
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The flotilla, which set sail in August with 45 vessels and global activists including Greta Thunberg, sought to break the Gaza blockade. As momentum builds, protest leaders vowed to continue their Karachi protest Gaza flotilla until the activists are released. They warned that silence will not only harm the detainees but also undermine Pakistan’s stance on Palestine.