Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, a distinguished political activist and former member of Pakistani Senate, declared today during an emotional speech in Tunis that Pakistan and Palestine share one soul and two bodies; Mushtaq now leads Pakistan’s delegation aboard Global Sumud Flotilla that seeks to break Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Mushtaq made this statement amidst preparations for the largest-ever civilian-led aid mission to Gaza, leaving Tunis in early September. The flotilla, composed of activists from over 44 nations, intends to transport humanitarian relief through international waters into Palestinian territory. Mushtaq stressed how Pakistan and Palestine share similar struggles for justice and human dignity that run deeper than national boundaries. He noted how their respective struggles for justice converge into one long fight that begins from Tunis and ends at dawn each day in Palestine territory.
Mushtaq and his five-member delegation affiliated with Sumud Nasantra coalition are currently receiving training and logistic coordination in Tunis prior to departing on September 4 for Gaza. On September 5, their flotilla will meet other ships in the Mediterranean before proceeding towards Gaza with their mission: providing food and water, creating humanitarian assistance corridors, and drawing attention to what they see as genocide occurring there.
Dawnalitat Mushtaq’s comment that Pakistan and Palestine share “one soul, two bodies” resonates strongly with Pakistan’s longstanding support of Palestinian rights. Officially, Pakistan has never recognized Israel but instead advocates a two-state solution and strengthens diplomatic ties with Palestine through diplomatic assistance programs and humanitarian ties.
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Mushtaq is known for his activism; during the Gaza war he organized the D-Chowk Dharna sit-in in Islamabad that eventually earned them the name “Gaza Chowk.” This protest gained the government’s response on ceasefire demands and Gaza relief assistance.
As the flota embarks, its organizers acknowledge its risks. Mushtaq laid out three scenarios for how it might go: breaking of the blockade successfully; arrest and deportation by Israeli authorities or worse–fatal consequences; but still stressed they were taking this risky journey in order to highlight Gaza’s dire circumstances and urge international intervention quickly.
Dawn. This statement follows recent confirmation by Pakistan’s policy circles that support for Palestine remains strong, including humanitarian assistance and diplomatic backing. Wiki.
Why It Matters
Mushtaq’s speech symbolized Pakistan’s historical connection to Palestine, now made more visible through an elaborate humanitarian initiative.
Global Spotlight: The flotilla was launched as an act of global solidarity for Gaza, to break through both physical blockades and international silence.
Domestic Momentum: Pakistan’s civil society and political figures such as Mushtaq are pressuring their government to adopt more assertive positions, fueling public discussion.
As the Global Sumud Flota sets sail, its departure sends out a strong message about Pakistan-Palestine relations: they transcend mere statecraft into deep connections of shared identity and moral commitment.