Rights body condemns detention of Saad Edhi after flotilla attack

KARACHI: The Human Rights Council of Pakistan has denounced the Israeli attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the detention of human rights activists, including Saad Edhi, calling the incident a serious breach of human rights, humanitarian relief efforts and freedom of expression.

The condemnation came during a protest held outside the Karachi Press Club, where the council voiced concern over the treatment of those taken into custody. The organisation said the activists had been arrested and tortured following the attack.

Addressing the demonstration, Human Rights Council of Pakistan chairman Jamshed Hussain said Israeli actions were unacceptable and urged the United Nations to intervene without delay. He also called on the Pakistani government to pursue effective diplomatic steps to secure the release of Saad Edhi and other detained human rights workers.

Protest held outside Karachi Press Club

The protest demonstration was organised outside the Karachi Press Club, where participants raised concern over the attack on the flotilla and the detention of activists linked to the mission. The council described the episode as a blatant violation of internationally recognised rights and protections.

According to the council, the incident involved not only the arrest of activists but also torture, which it said compounded the gravity of the matter. Saad Edhi was specifically named among those detained.

Call for UN notice and diplomatic efforts

Jamshed Hussain urged the United Nations to take immediate notice of the situation, saying the matter required urgent international attention. He also appealed to the government to make meaningful diplomatic efforts aimed at obtaining the release of all detained human rights workers, including Saad Edhi.

The Human Rights Council of Pakistan said the attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the subsequent detention of activists amounted to an assault on humanitarian assistance and the right to free expression. The council’s statement at the protest framed the episode as part of what it described as Israeli aggression and brutality.

The demonstration in Karachi centred on demands for accountability over the flotilla attack and for the release of those held in custody. The council reiterated its condemnation of the incident and pressed for both international and diplomatic action in response.