Islamabad / Mediterranean — Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Sunday said the safety and welfare of Pakistani nationals aboard the Global Solidarity Flotilla is its “first priority” and reiterated that Pakistan does not recognise Israel.
Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan expressed concern about the security situation around the flotilla, calling the reported interception of aid vessels a serious violation of international law. He described the flotilla as “an important humanitarian mission and a symbol of global solidarity,” and said Islamabad condemned actions taken to halt it.
“Protecting the life and property of Pakistanis on the flotilla is our foremost concern,” the spokesman said, adding that Islamabad was in close contact with international and regional partners to secure the immediate release and safety of Pakistani participants.
Two Pakistanis on the flotilla — former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and Syed Azeer Nizami — have not been reached since overnight, their families told the BBC. Azeer Nizami, 32, runs a small perfume business in Lahore and is also involved in religious teaching; he travelled from Pakistan to join the flotilla on September 3, his wife told the broadcaster.
According to reports, Israeli forces intercepted the Global Solidarity Flotilla between October 1 and 2, detaining hundreds of activists from some 37 countries, including Sweden’s climate activist Greta Thunberg and former senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan. Organisers say more than 200 people were taken into custody and at least 13 vessels were stopped at sea. Despite the seizures, at least four of the flotilla’s 44 boats — organisers say — remain en route to Gaza to attempt to deliver aid.
Global Solidarity Flotilla spokesman Saif Abu Kosheik posted an update saying 13 vessels had been intercepted and that more than 200 people from 37 countries were aboard those ships. He reaffirmed that the mission continues and that other vessels are trying to reach Gaza through the Mediterranean.
Pakistan’s foreign office statement did not comment on operational details of the interception but reiterated Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety of its nationals and to press for their swift release.
