ISLAMABAD: The family and associates of former Pakistani senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan have no information about his condition or whereabouts, his aide said Thursday, after Israeli forces intercepted a Gaza-bound aid flotilla in international waters, raising fears over whether he is alive, in custody, or among activists reportedly thrown into the sea during the “illegal raid.”
Khan was among 211 activists aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a 58-vessel humanitarian convoy attempting to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza, according to organizers.
The flotilla says it was intercepted by Israeli naval forces near the Greek island of Crete early Thursday.
The incident comes as Israel’s war on Gaza continues to draw international scrutiny over the humanitarian toll and restrictions on aid entering the besieged enclave.
Activist flotillas have increasingly emerged as symbolic attempts to challenge the blockade and deliver relief supplies directly to Gaza.
“The flotilla was peacefully sailing in international waters when multiple vessels’ radio communications were suddenly jammed,” the flotilla’s ground team said in a statement, describing the boarding as an “illegal raid.”
Organizers said at least 22 vessels were stormed by Israeli forces.
“Our boats were approached by military speedboats, self-identified as ‘Israel,’ pointing lasers and semi-automatic assault weapons, ordering participants to the front of the boats and to get on their hands and knees,” the statement said.
Khan’s spokesperson, Daniyal Abdullah, said communication with the former senator was lost during the operation.
“As of now, we are not sure about the whereabouts of the former senator,” Abdullah told Pakistan TV Digital.
He said flotilla organizers confirmed that Khan was aboard the vessel Marea, which was intercepted by Israeli forces, but no further information was available.
“Before the navy boarded the ships, there were multiple drone attacks. That was the last time I heard from him,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah added that organizers had informed him some activists were allegedly forced overboard during the raid.
“I have no information whether the former senator was also thrown into the water or not,” he said.
The flotilla also alleged that one of its vessels was set on fire during the interception.
Khan had previously joined a similar Gaza flotilla last year and was detained by Israeli authorities before being deported.
Pakistan, which does not recognize Israel, has repeatedly called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
According to human rights groups, despite the 2025 ceasefire, Israel has committed over 2,400 documented violations, resulting in 766 fatalities and 2,147 injuries in just five months.
