Afghan and US soldiers free Ali Haider Gilani
The young man had been kidnapped - perhaps by the Taliban - three years ago. But suspicions also point to internal political struggles. Activists for human rights: Perhaps relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan will improve. The Government’s inability to guarantee security leaves population very vulnerable.
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - Ali Haider Gilani, son of former Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was freed today in a joint operation between Afghan and US soldiers in Ghazni. The young man was kidnapped three years ago before an election rally in Multan.
The liberation of Gilani jr comes two months after the release of Shahbaz Taseer, son of Salman Taseer, the murdered governor of Punjab. Shahbaz was kidnapped in 2011.
Human rights activist and director of the Centre for Social Justice, Peter Jacob, told AsiaNews: "No doubt it is a good result. The fact is a sign of the Afghan forces improved efficiency and that the whole region is not really a lawless Wild West. It is also an encouraging message for the application of the law and to uphold the spirit of the people in Pakistan and Afghanistan".
For Inam Rana, a Pakistani lawyer and columnist based in London, “It's a good development undoubtedly. Still some questions need to be asked. How he could be smuggled to Afghanistan when there are so many security checks are between Milton and the border and his news was broken immediately after the kidnap. What are the terms he is released on and whether Pakistani government shall protest to Afghanistan that our citizens are being kidnapped to their country? ".
Samson Salamat, an activist for human rights and president of Rawadari Tehreek (an organization defending the multi-ethnicity and coexistence in Pakistan), expresses gratitude for Yousuf Raza Gilani’s release: "All of us - he told AsiaNews - are grateful to the former Prime Minister and his family for what they have done for our nation ... However it is important to denounce all the forces that are behind this kidnapping, and they seem quite powerful. If the son of Gilani and his family have suffered so much, imagine how ordinary people are suffering in Pakistan, those who denounce extremism, terrorism, human rights violations, and are increasingly vulnerable".
Yousaf Raza Gilani was prime minister from March 2008 until he was dismissed by the Supreme Court in April 2012, when he refused to open an investigation on charges of corruption against former President Asif Ali Zardari.
After the abduction, Gilani has always denounced that his family had not been given any protection, despite the many threats received.
Ata-ur-Rehman Saman, a Christian, and coordinator of the National Justice and Peace Commission, looks on the bright side: "Ali Gilani was released ... This result will improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan ... I am optimistic and I think there will be positive changes in the future ".
.png)
31/12/2007
