LAHORE, Feb 19: Pakistan Awami Tehrik chairman Dr Tahirul Qadri said on Tuesday 1,200 arrested terrorists were released by courts after trial during four and a half years.

“Besides, 1,800 are still under the police custody for the last four and a half years. And I think this country has now become a visa-free state for the terrorists,” Qadri told reporters at a press conference, where he condemned brazen attacks on Shias, mainly in Balochistan.

He said Pakistan was the only country in the world, where the rulers had failed to formulate any sort of national policy or forceful legislation to eliminate terrorism. He said the second major terrorist attack on the Shia community during the last 40 days clearly reflected complete failure of the state in combating terrorism.

He announced solidarity with the community, advising the PAT leadership and workers to actively participate in the sit-ins and protests across the country. “It seems that the government has left the state at the mercy of terrorists who are planning to disintegrate Balochistan,” he deplored.