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Afghan officials handed over Gilani’s kidnapped son to Pakistan
Ali Haider Gilani, son of Yusuf Raza Gilani, a former Pakistani PM, was rescued in Afghanistan in a joint Afghan-U.S. special forces operation on Tuesday, May 10.
Afghan officials handed over Gilani to the Pakistan ambassador in Kabul after he was received safe and sound in a military chopper by Afghan National Army Special Forces.
“In a blitz, the Afghan Special Forces killed a number of Al-Qaeda militants in Gian district of Paktika and rescued Ali Haider Gilani whom they planned to misuse for their political purposes. We are very delighted that we could fulfill our national and international obligation,” Afghan Chief of Army Staff, General Qadam Shah Shahim who handed over Gilani said.
At the same time, Nasir Ahmad Andisha Deputy Foreign Minister for Finanace and Administrative Affairs that he is hopeful that the recovery of Mr. Haidar increase cooperation and relations between the two countries.
Both Gilani and Pakistani ambassador to Kabul thanked the Afghan government efforts.
“I really appreciate the Afghan government’s efforts and the Afghan forces’ efforts for someone — these sacrifices — for someone from another country,” Gilani told reporters in a brief statement in Kabul before departing for Pakistan.
“That shows the efforts of the Afghan government to bringing peace in the region,” he added.
“Today is a very good day as my brother Gilani who was kidnapped three years ago in Multan was rescued in Afghanistan, I’m grateful of the Afghan government, Afghan national and Afghan Army,” Ebrar Hussain, Pakistan ambassador for Afghanistan continued.
Gilani was flown home on a chartered aircraft sent from Pakistan with his brother aboard, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said.
Recovery of Gilani is expected to encourage Pakistan to work for peace in Afghanistan sincerely, but visa versa Pakistani army has closed Torkhum border as tension over fencing escalates.