MULTAN/LAHORE: Accompanied by his father Yousuf Raza Gilani and a large number of supporters, Ali Haider Gilani reached his hometown of Multan after a gap of three years.
The young Gilani, who was abducted three years ago, reached the Multan airport at 06:40pm. In few pictures that media has been able to capture, his delight and contentment can be seen for being in his hometown after a long spell of torment and confinement in a hostile environment. The people of Multan welcomed him with as much zest and excitement as they celebrated the news of his safe return six days ago.
Celebrations kicked off when he stepped out of his car at his residence. Followers, supporters and workers of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) all gathered to see Ali Gilani, with wreaths of flowers and bouquets in their hands, wide smiles on their faces and prayers for him on their lips.
Besides party workers, natives of Multan also celebrated his arrival. Several old and young people were seen with tear-filled eyes, cheering and praying for him and his family. They were chanting slogans in support for him and his family and thanking Almighty Allah for his safe return.
An 80-year-old came forward and tried to touch the young Gilani’s feet and as per the traditions of the region to show respect and affection. Gilani held him by his arms midway and pulled him into an embrace. The elderly man burst into tears and started praying for Gilani’s long life and his family’s safety and success.
Talking to reporters, the old man said that he became so emotional to see Ali Gilani because his father (Yousuf Raza Gilani) and elder brother Abdul Qadir Gilani had always been a source of support to him and his family. Even when he (Ali Gilani) was in captivity, he said, the Gilani family did not discard the hardships of their people. He said that he had received monetary and in-kind help many times and he was forever grateful to the Gilani family.
A local woman of about 50-year-old also came forward and explained how the Gilani family had been supporting and helping the people of Multan. She had also received assistance at the time of her daughter’s marriage when Yousuf Gilani was the prime minister. She said that the Gilanis never forgot their people and irrespective of their affiliation they always out to help the people.
Ali Gilani was delighted to meet his supporters and well-wishers and the love and affection he received from the locals. He was seen wiping off his tears at times too. In his brief statement, he said that he would continue to serve his people with more dedication.
Ali Gilani was abducted from Multan three years ago from an election rally that was being conducted for his brother Abdul Qadir Gilani. He was stopped on the way to a meeting and shots were fired at his driver and guard. The driver was killed and Ali Gilani was taken hostage.
Six days ago, Afghan Ambassador Mohammad Hanif Amtar told the former prime minister in a telephone call that his son had been safely recovered in a successful operation by the joint forces of the United States and Afghanistan.
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