Saad Edhi, who was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla mission carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, returned to Pakistan on Saturday after being released from Israeli custody and received a warm welcome at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

A large number of supporters, volunteers and citizens gathered at the airport to receive him, including Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Edhi and former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan. Pro-Palestinian slogans were raised during the reception.

Saad Edhi left the airport in the form of a rally as supporters showered flower petals on him.

Speaking to the media, Saad Edhi said those detained during the mission faced harsh conditions and severe difficulties while in Israeli custody.

He said the detainees were repeatedly shifted between different locations for several days and suffered from a serious shortage of food and water.

According to him, the group was taken into custody from international waters and transported through lengthy routes.

He added that despite the presence of diplomatic officials from several countries, meetings with them were not allowed.

Faisal Edhi thanked the media, volunteers and supporters for standing with the mission and said Saad Edhi had undertaken the humanitarian effort to raise his voice for oppressed Palestinians.

Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan said true happiness would only come when Palestinian prisoners were freed and bloodshed in Gaza came to an end.

Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan urged the government to adopt a clear stance on the Palestine issue and described Saad Edhi’s return as a symbol of humanity and support for the people of Gaza.