ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Sunday said that Pakistan was actively engaged with international partners to ensure the safety and repatriation of its citizens detained by Israel in the Gaza aid flotilla interception. “Through the diplomatic channels of a friendly European country, we have confirmed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad is in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces and is safe and in good health,” read the press release issued by the FO. It further added that Pakistan authorities have been advised that the ex-senator will be presented before a court and, upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis. The ministry’s remarks come after the former lawmaker was detained by Israeli forces while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla on October 2, whose multiple vessels were carrying aid to the war-torn territory currently under Israeli blockade. The ex-senator, who was leading a five-member Pakistani delegation, joined the flotilla alongside international activists and humanitarian aid groups. However, the Israeli military intercepted more than 40 flotilla vessels, some 42.5 nautical miles (79 km) from Gaza and detained more than 450 activists aboard the vessels. Tel Aviv has since faced widespread criticism from countries around the world. Meanwhile, the FO recalled that the ministry “had previously coordinated the safe return of individuals who disembarked earlier. In this context, we express our profound gratitude to the brotherly countries that assisted in the repatriation of our citizens”. It further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the protection of all its citizens abroad and anticipates the completion of this repatriation process within the coming days.It is pertinent to know that negotiators are set to meet in Cairo today ahead of talks aimed at ending nearly two years of war in Gaza. The diplomatic moves came after the Palestinian group Hamas responded positively to US President Donald Trump’s roadmap for freeing the captives and administering post-war Gaza.