MARDAN, Nov 25: Central secretary-general of the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPP-P), Raja Ashraf Pervez, has described the release of Asif Ali Zardari as victory of democracy, principles and integrity.

Speaking to newsmen at the residence of Saranjam Khan here, Raja Pervez said Asif Zardari had remained in jail for eight years without having committed any crime, but he did not bow before the military rulers. Those who termed it a result of a deal were living in a fool's paradise, he said.

The release of Mr Zardari had given a new life to the party and its workers, he said and added that it proved that a person could be voted out of politics but could not be booted out. Now people were quiet politically mature, therefore, the future of democracy was bright, he expressed the hope.

He said some vested interests were spreading rumours that Mr Zardari had been released as a result of a deal, but their designs would fail. Raja Ashraf expressed the hope that Javed Hashmi and Hamid Raza Gillani would also be released from jail and stressed that the armed forces should go back to the barracks as their duty was to protect the borders.

Meanwhile, secretary-general of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), Saranjam Khan, said the release of Asif Ali Zardari was the victory of democracy and principles. It was a proof that the opposition could not be suppressed by any means, he added.