Pakistan Demands Release of Nationals Detained by Israel After Flotilla Raid

APP

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed that Pakistan does not recognise Israel and vowed to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals detained by Israeli forces after the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In a telephonic conversation with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the prime minister said Islamabad was actively coordinating with friendly nations and international organisations to secure the release of its citizens, including former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. He described the raid as an assault on the humanitarian mission and reiterated Pakistan’s “clear and unequivocal” support for the Palestinian cause.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, addressing the National Assembly, condemned the Israeli action as a “blatant violation of international maritime law and humanitarian principles.” He assured lawmakers that Pakistan was pursuing “all possible diplomatic avenues” for the safety and repatriation of its citizens.

Dar stressed that Pakistan’s stance on the Middle East conflict remained unchanged, calling the two-state solution the only path to lasting peace — with a sovereign Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

He also pointed to Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach during the UN General Assembly session, including a joint statement with seven Arab-Islamic countries demanding unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, a full Israeli withdrawal, and a credible roadmap towards peace.

.