Former Pakistani Senator Mushtaq Ahmed received a heroic welcome at the Islamabad airport, Pakistan, upon his return from Jordan following his release from Israeli detention after being intercepted on the Gaza-aid Global Samud Flotilla.
Ahmed was warmly welcomed by supporters upon his arrival at the Islamabad airport. He arrived on Thursday in Islamabad from Amman via a private airline. Videos of his arrival, videos of him receiving a warm welcome at the international airport, have gone viral on social media, with thousands of people gathered around him, lifting him in the air and praising him for his bravery.
Mustaq Ahmed remained in the captivity of Israeli forces for 5-6 days following his detention from the flotilla ship. He was released after efforts from Pakistan and Jordan.
Senator Mushtaq Welcome on Reaching back Pakistan.
He deserves all the applause, he faced brutality Abroad and at Home too for speaking for Palestine and protesting in solidarity with Palestinians!
Salute 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mAFA89dMTR
— Zubair Ahmed Khan (@ZubairKhanPK) October 9, 2025
“I am pleased to confirm that former Senator Mushtaq has been released and is now safely with the Pakistan Embassy in Amman. He is in good health and high spirits. The Embassy stands ready to facilitate his return to Pakistan, in accordance with his wishes and convenience. I am pleased to extend our gratitude to all our friendly countries who actively engaged and assisted in this behalf to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan,” said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He remained with the Pakistan embassy in Jordan following his release from Israel.
Read more: ‘We drank toilet water’: Malaysian activists detail ‘cruel’ Israeli detention after Gaza aid mission
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said that he was detained in Israel’s Negev Desert Prison. The former senator further added that they were denied access to food, water, air, light, and medication for three days.
During the detention, their hands were tied backs after being handcuffed. They were blindfolded as well, and their feet were also tied; dogs were left on them. He said that he expressed his determination to continue to protest against the ongoing genocide by Israel and Gaza.
He said that he will share more details of Israel’s torture in detention after returning to Pakistan. He, however, expressed that they will continue to protest and again will attempt to break the siege of Gaza. He also said that he will protest outside Adiyala Jail against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Palestine, and he will continue to protest till the freedom of Palestine and Gaza.
GVS South Asia Desk