Welcome home says Saj!

1.14.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 18th Nov 2006

Saj and Mirza Tahir

North West Liberal Democrat Euro MP Sajjad Karim was at Heathrow airport on Friday night to welcome home Mirza Tahir Hussain following his release from prison after Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had intervened and commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment.

In a statement read out on his behalf by Sajjad Karim, Mirza Tahir said: "I thank God for reuniting me with my family today. It has been a tremendous strain to be separated from my family and loved ones. I thank God for giving me the faith and strength to persevere."

Mirza Tahir also extended his thanks to everyone who had worked so hard and tirelessly for his release including Prince Charles, MEP's and MP's and not least his brother Amjad who has dedicated himself to seeing Mirza Tahir back home in Leeds.

Saj Karim, Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Pakistan Group, said: "This is one of those occasions when it is extremely rewarding and satisfying to see the outcome of the efforts of so many people."

"I was delighted to be able to be there to welcome Mirza Tahir home and honoured to be asked by his family to read out a statement on his behalf. I was particularly impressed with the strength, courage and positive attitude that Mirza Tahir displayed despite the terrible ordeal he has had to endure."

"Despite everything he has gone through he has remained strong, showed no bitterness for having spent half of his life in prison and was in very good spirits when he arrived back on British soil for the fist time in 18 years."

"There are not many days in politics that are as rewarding as this one has been," Saj concluded.