Pakistan condemns Israeli interception of Global Sumud Flotilla activists

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, demanding the immediate release of all detained humanitarian activists, including Saad Edhi, grandson of renowned philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Foreign Office described the interception as “unlawful” and decried the “arbitrary detention and reported mistreatment of humanitarian workers onboard.” The government called on the international community to ensure the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of those detained. The Foreign Office added it is in close contact with Pakistani diplomatic missions in the region to secure the safe return of any detained nationals.

The condemnation followed the emergence of a video posted by Israel’s national security minister showing detained activists kneeling with their hands tied. The flotilla had sailed from Turkiye last week in an attempt to breach Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has faced severe shortages of essential supplies since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. Pakistan and nine other nations had earlier issued a joint statement condemning the interception.

The detention of Saad Edhi has prompted calls for urgent government intervention. Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, who was detained on previous flotillas, has written to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for measures to secure Edhi’s release.

The letter describes the detention as an “unlawful abduction” and highlights the Edhi family’s service to humanity as representing the “very identity, soul, and moral compass of Pakistan.” It urges the government to initiate “immediate, emergency diplomatic channels” through the United Nations and friendly states for Edhi’s unconditional release, provide regular updates to his family and the public, and formally raise the issue at all international forums.