The delegation includes a former senator and an Azad Kashmir minister among global activists challenging Israel’s blockade.
ISLAMABAD: At least six Pakistanis, including a former senator and a minister from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, are among the activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces.
The delegation is led by Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a former senator of Jamaat-e-Islami, a party that has been at the forefront of championing the Palestinian cause. Khan is known for his outspoken support of Palestine and has repeatedly highlighted the plight of the people of Gaza. Jamaat-e-Islami itself has actively raised its voice for Palestinians through nationwide campaigns, organizing mass rallies and marches that have drawn millions across Pakistan in solidarity with Gaza.
Alongside Mushtaq Ahmad Khan is Mazhar Saeed Shah, Information Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), who has called participation in the flotilla a “moral duty” to stand with Palestinians under siege.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan:
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan is recognized among Pakistan’s prominent political figures for his stance on human rights and the rights of oppressed communities. Representing Jamaat-e-Islami in the upper house, he consistently raised his voice on global humanitarian crises, including Palestine, Kashmir, and Afghanistan.
His participation was aimed at sending a strong message that Pakistan’s support for Palestine extends beyond rhetoric and is demonstrated through concrete action. He also kept the public updated through his social media platforms.
Syed Azeer Nizami: The Observer
Syed Azeer Nizami represented Pakistan as part of the flotilla’s observer mission. His primary role was to serve as an impartial witness, emphasizing that the flotilla’s purpose was purely humanitarian, without any political or military agendas. Nizami, a journalist and social activist, joined international observers on this mission to ensure the world received an objective account of the flotilla’s activities.
Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah: Kashmir’s Voice
Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah, Minister for Information in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was another prominent member of the flotilla. Known for championing human rights both locally and internationally, Shah has long advocated for the right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
Other members included Ismail Khan, Dr Osama Riaz, Mr. Wahaj Ahmad, and Maulana Khateeb ul Rehman as part of the Pakistani team.
Together, they represent a cross-section of political, religious, and civil society voices determined to highlight the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
They were among over 500 activists from more than 45 countries who joined the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest such effort in years.
Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman Condemns Israeli Attack on Gaza Aid Flotilla
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Ameer Jamaat e Islami Pakistan, strongly condemned the Israeli military’s attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, calling it a “blatant act of terrorism” against humanitarian activists.
He said the flotilla was a peaceful mission to deliver essential aid, yet it was met with aggression in violation of international law. The JI chief accused the United States of “deception” in backing Israel’s blockade and announced nationwide protests to show solidarity with Palestinians.
Jamaat-e-Islami also announced that nationwide protest rallies will be held starting from Friday. JI leaders said the protests are aimed at pressuring the government to take urgent diplomatic steps for the safe return of all Pakistanis and to register Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israel’s actions.
Mission and Interception
The convoy of more than 40 vessels set sail in late August carrying food, medical supplies, and other aid. Its goal was to break Israel’s 18-year blockade on Gaza, home to nearly 2.4 million people.
But on Wednesday night, Israeli naval forces surrounded the flotilla, boarded several ships, and detained dozens of activists. Organizers accused Israel of using violence, ramming vessels, and mistreating detainees. Around 70 activists, including some Pakistanis, were reported in Israeli custody and transferred to the port of Ashdod.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail in late August, was stopped about 70 nautical miles off Gaza on Wednesday night.
Footage broadcast live from the ships and verified by Reuters showed Israeli commandos in helmets and night-vision gear boarding the vessels, while activists in life jackets raised their hands in surrender.
A video released by Israel’s foreign ministry showed Thunberg seated on deck surrounded by soldiers.
Human rights organisation Adalah said detainees were being moved to Ashdod port and would then be transferred to Ketziot Prison in southern Israel before deportation.
“Our main concern is their well-being and ensuring they receive legal advice before hearings in the Immigration Tribunal,” said Suhad Bishara, Adalah’s legal director.
Organisers said those detained had refused to eat food provided by Israeli forces. They denounced the raid as a “war crime” and vowed to continue their campaign, insisting the flotilla remained a non-violent humanitarian mission.
Gaza’s Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis
The flotilla’s mission comes at a time when Gaza faces unprecedented devastation. Nearly 66,100 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed since Israel’s ground and air offensive began in October 2023. Hospitals are overwhelmed, food and medicine remain blocked, and famine is spreading across the enclave.
For Pakistan’s representatives, participation in the flotilla was more than symbolic — it was a direct attempt to challenge what they call Israel’s unlawful siege. “Our presence is a message that the people of Pakistan stand with Gaza,” one delegate said before communications from the flotilla were cut off.
The international aid flotilla bound for Gaza said on Thursday that dozens of its vessels were still advancing towards the Palestinian territory despite interceptions by the Israeli navy.
The Global Sumud Flotilla said that as of early morning, around 30 boats were “still sailing strong” and had reached within 46 nautical miles (85 km) of Gaza’s coast. The statement was posted on the social media platform X at 3:20 a.m. local time (0020 GMT).
Flotilla organizers accused Israeli naval forces of intercepting 13 boats carrying about 200 people, including activists from Spain and Italy. Agence France-Presse quoted flotilla spokesperson Saif Abukeshek as saying that while some vessels had been stopped, the rest were continuing their journey.
“Our mission is going on,” Abukeshek said in a video posted on Instagram. “They are determined and motivated, and they are doing everything within their hands to be able to break the siege.”
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