ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Kashmir Information Minister, Pir Muhammad Mazhar Saeed Shah, on Sunday safely returned home after surviving an Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to besieged Palestinians in Gaza.
Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, a large crowd of supporters, political activists, and admirers welcomed him with flower petals and slogans of solidarity for Palestine.
Similar celebrations were held earlier in Karachi, where thousands participated in a rally escorting him from the airport to Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Last week, the flotilla, comprising delegates from 44 countries, was intercepted and attacked by Israeli forces during its voyage. Several human rights activists were arrested, but Shah remained unharmed.
Speaking to the media after his return, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Palestinian cause, saying that this mission was for humanity.
“We will continue to be the voice of our Palestinian brothers and never bow before oppression. Humanity never surrenders in the face of tyranny,” Mazhar added.
Shah urged the public to raise their voices for the immediate release of those detained by Israeli authorities and emphasized that the people of Palestine still look toward the Muslim Ummah and the international community with hope.
A reception and gathering were also held at Khalid Bin Waleed Madrasa in Islamabad, where prominent scholars, including Maulana Shabbir Kashmiri, Qazi Mahmood-ul-Hassan Ashraf, Maulana Salahuddin Khalil, and Atiq-ul-Rehman Muhammadi, paid tribute to the efforts of the flotilla’s participants, alongside former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan and Pir Mazhar Saeed Shah.
The Information Minister expressed gratitude to the international participants of the convoy, especially the Pakistani and Kashmiri people, for their support of Palestine.
He added that the determination of the Sumud Flotilla members has sent a strong message of solidarity, and expressed hope for the safe return of former Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, who remains detained.
