LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday said that Raymond Davis' release through blood-money (diyat), although legitimate, was in conflict with public sentiment, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media representatives outside the Punjab Assembly, Sanaullah said that if Aafia Siddiqui's release was included in the 'diyat', the public would have been celebrating instead of protesting. He further said that the Punjab government and the public were willing to give 'diyat' to secure Aafia’s release.

Sanaullah said the Punjab government had no role in the Davis case decision and that the responsibility for the settlement fell on the families of the deceased.