Jubilant celebrations broke out in Multan – the stronghold of the Gilani clan – as news of Ali Haider Gilani’s recovery spread through the city. The joy isn’t Multan’s alone; the recovery of the former Prime Minister’s son is a milestone for Pakistan’s fight against extremism. As the years ticked by, the hopes for the safe return of Ali Haider Gilani, and another high-profile abductee, Shahbaz Taseer, grew dim; yet in a relatively short space of time both have been recovered, and thus a difficult chapter in Pakistan’s recent history can come to a close.

For the families of the two, this is the end of a long and harrowing episode, but it is a different matter for the government. The identities of the kidnappers – who, considering the commonalities between the two recoveries, seem to be connected – have to be determined, while the wider fight against extremism continues unabated.

The government can take away some key lessons from this incident. Firstly, the recovery operation was conducted jointly by Afghan forces and US troops, which points to improving efficacy in the ability of the Afghani forces to combat terrorist outfits; this is something many, including the Pakistan government, routinely underestimate. Secondly, it also shows that Afghanistan and Pakistan have a lot to offer each other, if actions are coordinated and information shared. The recovery of the abducted seems to be the only visible reason of cooperation between the two governments; with Yousaf Raza Gilani making several visits to the country. Had the relationship between the intelligence agencies of both countries not broken down, perhaps Ali Haider Gilani could have been rescued earlier – along with a host of other benefits.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this incident is the way it illustrates how conjoined and convoluted the issues of Pakistan and Afghanistan are. The terrorism that takes place on both sides of the border is inexorably linked with the events in the other state. Criminals from one country seek refuge in the other; it is well-documented that Mullah Fazalullah of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is hiding in Afghanistan while Mullah Omar, the former leader and founder of the Afghan Taliban expired in a Pakistani hospital.

Perhaps this friendly assistance from the Afghan government can pave the way for future cooperation; because despite the mistrust and animosity, residents of both countries know than true peace can only be achieved together.