Former senator Mushtaq Ahmad has confirmed that he has resigned from Jamaat-e-Islami, clarifying that he harbours no personal differences with the party. His announcement came shortly after his return to Pakistan following his release from Israeli custody.
In an interview with a private television channel on Thursday, he said he had formally stepped down from JI to secure “independent political space” for advocating human rights, democracy, and constitutional rights.
“I have resigned from Jamaat-e-Islami,” Mushtaq said, adding that he submitted his resignation on September 19 while travelling aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla — a humanitarian mission bound for Gaza. He noted, however, that the party had yet to officially acknowledge his decision.
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Known within JI for his principled stance and vocal advocacy on civil liberties and justice, Mushtaq described his resignation as a deeply emotional decision. “That night, I cried the same way I cried when my mother passed away,” he recalled.
He made it clear that he will not be joining any political party, citing the inherent limitations within such organizations.
“Sometimes, one needs to work independently. I want to openly campaign for human rights, democracy, a free media, the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, justice for Palestine, and constitutional rights for Pakistan’s federating units,” he said.
He acknowledged internal disagreements within JI but stressed that his decision did not stem from hostility. “Over the past two to three years, there were certain issues in the organisation on which there were differences,” he said. “But I have no personal quarrel with the party.”
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He also defended his relations with JI leadership, particularly party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. “Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is a leader; I have no disagreement with him,” he said, expressing hope for an amicable parting. “I want there to be no problem between me and Jamaat-e-Islami, and no problem for Jamaat-e-Islami because of me.”
Mushtaq announced plans to launch a nationwide grassroots initiative to establish “100,000 Palestine committees” aimed at mobilising public support for the Palestinian cause.
Calling Israeli forces a “paper tiger,” he recounted the hardships faced aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla and during his subsequent imprisonment in Israel. Arrested on October 2, he described the experience as a test of endurance and conviction.
He criticised international powers for their delayed response to Gaza’s plight, arguing that the recent ceasefire could only be seen as a true success if achieved two years earlier. Instead, he credited Hamas with the outcome, calling their struggle “unbeatable.”
