Mirza Tahir Hussain has been released

5.52.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 17th Nov 2006

Mirza Tahir Hussain's Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland - "It is wonderful news that Mirza Tahir is finally a free man"

Commenting on the news that Mirza Tahir Hussain has been released from prison in Pakistan, Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland, said "It is wonderful news that Mirza Tahir is finally a free man. Mirza Tahir and his family have spent 18 long years waiting for this moment.

"We are now waiting to hear when he'll be allowed to get on that plane and return home to Leeds."

"I want to pay tribute to Mirza Tahir's brother Amjad, who has campaigned tirelessly for his brother's release. He never gave up hope and the way he led the campaign with such courage, dignity and resilience has been an inspiration to all us involved in the campaign."

Greg Mulholland was involved in the campaign to free Mirza Tahir Hussain. Mr Mulholland first wrote to Prince Charles asking him to cancel his trip to Pakistan, if Mirza Tahir Hussain's execution, set to coincide during his visit, was not cancelled. Mr Mulholland also raised the issue with Tony Blair at Prime Minister's Questions on the 18th October 2006.