Ali Gilani returns after three years in captivity

Published May 11, 2016
Ali Haider Gilani is escorted by Afghan Special Forces personnel from an Afghan National Army helicopter at the Ministry of Defence. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani is escorted by Afghan Special Forces personnel from an Afghan National Army helicopter at the Ministry of Defence. -AFP
Ali Haidar Gilani emerges from helicopter as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani emerges from helicopter as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani stands with Afghan Special Forces as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense in Kabul ─ AP
Ali Haidar Gilani stands with Afghan Special Forces as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense in Kabul ─ AP
Ali Haidar Gilani, shakes hand with Afghan officials as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani, shakes hand with Afghan officials as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haider Gilani shakes hands with Afghans and Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain (L). -Reuters
Ali Haider Gilani shakes hands with Afghans and Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain (L). -Reuters
Ali Haidar Gilani shakes hand with Pakistani Ambassador Abrar Hussain as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani shakes hand with Pakistani Ambassador Abrar Hussain as he arrives at the Afghan Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haider Gilani shakes hands with Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain at the Ministry of Defence. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani shakes hands with Pakistani Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain at the Ministry of Defence. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani (L) walks with Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain (C) at the Defence ministry. -Reuters
Ali Haider Gilani (L) walks with Pakistan's Ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain (C) at the Defence ministry. -Reuters
Ali Haider Gilani (R) shakes hands with Afghan Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Qadamshah Shahim at the Defence Ministry. -Reuters
Ali Haider Gilani (R) shakes hands with Afghan Joint Chief of Staff Gen. Qadamshah Shahim at the Defence Ministry. -Reuters
Ali Haidar Gilani waves as he arrives at the Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani waves as he arrives at the Ministry of Defense. -AP
Ali Haidar Gilani disembarks from a vehicle upon arrival at his residence in Lahore ─ AP
Ali Haidar Gilani disembarks from a vehicle upon arrival at his residence in Lahore ─ AP
Ali Haider Gilani waves as he arrives home in Lahore. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani waves as he arrives home in Lahore. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani, waves as he arrives home in Lahore. -AFP
Ali Haider Gilani, waves as he arrives home in Lahore. -AFP

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.

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