Last updated (GMT/UTC): 11.05.2016 08:47

The son of a former Pakistani prime minister who was rescued in Afghanistan has been flown home after first being handed over to Pakistani officials in Kabul.

Ali Haider Gilani, son of former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, was rescued in Afghanistan in a joint Afghan-U.S. special forces operation on May 10. 

"I really appreciate the Afghan government's efforts and the Afghan forces' efforts for someone -- these sacrifices -- for someone from another country," he 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 said.

He was flown home on a chartered aircraft sent from Pakistan with his brother aboard, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.

Gilani was kidnapped by suspected Taliban militants on May 9, 2013, in his hometown of Multan as he was campaigning in elections.

His father was prime minister from March 2008 until he was sacked and indicted by the Supreme Court in April 2012. 

Based on reporting by Reuters and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal