ISLAMABAD/AMMAN – The Pakistan embassy in Jordan said late on Wednesday that former Jamaat-i-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan has safely departed Amman and is on his way back to Pakistan after being detained by Israeli forces.
Khan led the Pakistani delegation on the 45-vessel Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), which sailed from Spain to try to break Israel’s blockade and deliver aid to Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla as it neared Gaza, detaining activists and politicians on board before deporting them.
The embassy posted on X that, following instructions from Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, it had arranged all necessary steps to ensure Khan’s safe departure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad also reposted the embassy announcement.
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
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, thanking Jordan for receiving the released detainees and helping them return home. The foreign ministry said Dar also thanked Jordan for assisting the Pakistan embassy in Amman to secure Khan’s safe stay and departure. Dar had earlier confirmed that Khan was released and was safe with embassy staff in Amman. He added that he had spoken with the former senator after arriving in Islamabad from Malaysia.
Read More: Ex-Senator Leads Pakistan’s Role in Gaza Relief
In a video posted on his X account, Khan described harsh conditions while in Israeli custody. He said detainees were handcuffed, shackled, blindfolded, threatened with dogs and guns, and tortured. He also claimed activists were denied air, drinking water, medication, and even the ability to lie down.
Read More: Israeli Siege Broken: Pakistani Hero Returns from Gaza Aid Mission
Khan said he and fellow activists staged a three-day hunger strike during detention. He thanked Pakistan’s Foreign Office and the embassy in Amman for their support and said he had reached Jordan with about 150 companions after being released.
On arrival in Islamabad from Malaysia, I have just spoken over the phone with former Senator Mushtaq through Pakistan’s Ambassador in Amman.
Senator Mushtaq is fine and in high spirits. I lauded the courage and steadfastness of Senator Mushtaq for being part of the Sumud…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) October 7, 2025
Despite his release, Khan vowed that the campaign to challenge the Israeli blockade would continue. “We have been freed,” he said. “The fight for Palestinian freedom will continue. We will break this blockade. We will go again and again.” He promised to return to Pakistan soon and give a full account of his experience on the flotilla and in detention.
مشتاق احمد خان صاحب اسرائیلی جیل سے رہا ہو کر اردن پہنچ گئے۔
ان کا پیغام ہے کہ اڈیالہ سے لے کر اسرائیلی جیل تک مزاحمت جاری رہے گی
(ایڈمن) pic.twitter.com/gJi6zXFUTZ
— Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan | سینیٹر مشتاق احمد خان (@SenatorMushtaq) October 7, 2025