Ali Gilani returns after three years in captivity

KABUL/LAHORE: Ali Haider Gilani, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, was freed from kidnappers by US and Afghan forces during a counter-terror raid in eastern Afghanistan.

A special aircraft carrying Ali Haider Gilani landed in Lahore on Wednesday after he was handed over to Pakistani officials in Kabul.

Before departing for Lahore in a special aircraft sent by Pakistani government, Ali Haider said, “I am looking forward to being reunited with my family”.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the Gilani residence in Lahore to welcome the 30-year-old. Rose petals were showered on the car carrying Ali Haider, who stepped out and waved to supporters.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Multimedia

In pictures: Iran stages mass weddings for couples ready for war 'sacrifice'

In pictures: How the shooting at White House correspondents' dinner unfolded

Gaza’s war amputees short of prostheses under Israeli restrictions

Nadeem Mian

May 11, 2016 05:40pm

It is great news .... a son is reunited with his mother and family ....... When that kind of efforts would be done to recover a child of common Pakistani ? .....I sincerely hope ....soon

Recommend 0

imran

May 11, 2016 06:46pm

why is he holding hands with the ambassador

Recommend 0

AIZ

May 11, 2016 07:20pm

Nice one

Recommend 0

Tahir Lone

May 11, 2016 07:34pm

Blame lies with the Afghan authorities for providing space and sanctuaries to TTP terrorists. No doubt this release was arranged by handlers of TTP.. the NDS to deflect criticism from Pakistan. Congrats to the family on their sons release..

Recommend 0

Truth

May 11, 2016 08:40pm

He's in good shape provided that he was a captive for three straight years

Recommend 0

Ahsan Gul

May 11, 2016 09:00pm

Welcome back. You should be thankful to Allaha for being alive. Congratulations to your parents.

Recommend 0

Javed

May 11, 2016 11:31pm

Good News for all of us. Great News for the Family. Looks well fed, wonder how much was paid.

Recommend 0

imran Khan

May 12, 2016 05:36am

Its good for you, Sir now you should work for the betterment of Pakistan and its poor nation, hope you have felt how it feels like to live with limited means.

Recommend 0

Pindi boy

May 12, 2016 09:17am

Life is different if your father is not Gillani or Taseer.

Recommend 0

Jawaid Islam

May 12, 2016 04:48pm

What went on behind the scenes is still unknown, would remain so.

Recommend 0

Syed Ahmed, Canada

May 13, 2016 12:56am

The aircraft that brought Ali Raza Gilani from Kabul was PM Nawaz Sharifs official aircraft. Who gave him authority to use the aircraft for private purpose. It is sheer misuse of government property which is a serious offence.

Recommend 0

Rocky

May 13, 2016 04:05am

@Tahir Lone He was kidnapped from Pak so I guess blame is on Pak first.

Recommend 0

Taimoor Khan

May 13, 2016 03:37pm

I hope the Afghan regime will handover Fazaullah, Khurasani and Naray with same fan fair to the Pakistani authorities. If the readers dont know who these characters are, they are the ones who owned killing of Pakistani children in APS school attack and now "hiding" in Afghanistan.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.