Punjab's ruling SAD-BJP alliance and opposition Congress on Tuesday welcomed Pakistan's decision to release Indian death row convict Sarbjit Singh saying this "goodwill gesture" would further boost ties between India and Pakistan.

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In a statement, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal thanked President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari for the decision and said this "goodwill gesture would further boost the congenial ties between the two countries."

"The release of Sarbjit Singh would give further impetus to the ongoing confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan for strengthening the bonds of friendship, amity, peace and brotherhood amongst the people of India and Pakistan," the Chief Minister said.

He also congratulated Sarbjit's family members, especially his sister, for mobilising support for the release of her brother not only within the country but in Pakistan also.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh said the Pakistan Presidential pardon for Sarbjit Singh was "really a goodwill gesture" that will "further strengthen the mutual trust and confidence between the people of the two countries". 

The PCC President said the people of Punjab in particular "really feel grateful towards President Zardari for his noble gesture that not only saved a precious life but also strengthened the faith and confidence of the people of this region about the Pakistani goodwill towards India".

Punjab BJP President Ashwani Sharma said "at last the efforts of lakhs of Punjabis and that of Sarbjit's sister have borne fruit" and this gesture of Pakistan would go a long way in cementing the relations Pakistan shares with India.

Sarabjit was convicted for alleged involvement in bomb attacks in 1990 in Pakistan. He is lodged at Kota Lakhpat Jail in Lahore for the last 22 years.