KARACHI: Humanitarian worker Saad Edhi, who was illegally detained by Israeli forces during the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters earlier this week, returned to Karachi on Saturday.

Saad was detained by Israeli forces on May 18 along with around 100 other members of the humanitarian flotilla, after at least 10 boats were intercepted in the eastern Mediterranean.

He landed at Karachi airport on Saturday after being deported from Israel to Turkiye on Friday, along with other foreign activists on board the Sumud Flotilla.

A large number of supporters and family members gathered at the airport to welcome him home. Video footage showed people showering him with flower petals and placing floral garlands around his neck as chants and cheers filled the arrival area.

Many supporters were seen embracing him and expressing relief at his safe return.

A day earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saad — grandson of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi — had arrived safely in Istanbul along with other activists. He also thanked the Turkish government for facilitating Saad’s return and ensuring his safe passage to Istanbul.

The Global Sumud Flotilla had set sail from Turkiye last week in the latest attempt by activists to breach Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian enclave, after Israeli forces intercepted a previous convoy last month.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026