ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistanis detained by Israeli forces from the Global Samood flotilla, including former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, will be repatriated “very soon.”
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif held a telephone conversation with Pakistan religio-political party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman to discuss the situation in the Middle East, the ceasefire efforts in Palestine, and developments in Kashmir.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to “the ongoing massacre of Palestinians.” He stressed that Pakistan has consistently defended the rights of “its Palestinian brothers and sisters” at every international forum and would continue to do so.
The prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He noted that eight Islamic countries were actively working toward securing a ceasefire, expressing optimism that these efforts would soon bear fruit.
On the detention of activists, Sharif said the government was in close contact with friendly countries and international organizations to ensure the safe return of Pakistani citizens. Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Pakistan.
Israeli naval forces intercepted the 45-vessel flotilla last week, detaining more than 450 activists, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The ships, which had departed Spain in late August, were carrying humanitarian aid in a bid to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Detainees were taken to Ashdod port for deportation proceedings, prompting condemnation from Amnesty International and protests in several countries.
Turkey, Spain, Colombia, and South Africa have joined Pakistan in demanding the activists’ immediate release.
Sharif and Rehman also discussed the situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, with the prime minister reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to supporting peace and the rights of Kashmiris.
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