Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan. — File photo

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Wednesday that Raymond Davis was released after the payment of blood money (diyat) in accordance with the Shariat Law of Pakistan.

Speaking during a PTV programme, she said it was the stance of the federal government that the Davis matter would be decided by the courts.

She said the families of Lahore shootout victims pardoned Davis after receiving blood money.

To a question, Dr Awan said that the Davis case was registered and heard in a Punjab court and Punjab law minister Rana Sanaullah verified the case settlement through his statement.

“If he speaks against his party’s policy or decision, it is his legal right,” she remarked.

She said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had assured at the Seerat Conference that the Davis issue would be decided by the court.

Dr Awan further emphasised that political parties were trying to exploit and use the Davis issue for political point-scoring and said that this was not in the national interest.