Indian Diplomatic Pressure Pays Off: Captured IAF Pilot To be Released By Pakistan Tomorrow, Says Imran Khan

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman would be released from Pakistani custody tomorrow (28 February), India Today has reported. This announcement has reportedly been made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who called it a “peace gesture”.

The MiG 21 pilot was captured yesterday (27 February) after his plane was shot down. Prior to that, a Pakistani F-16 was brought down by India while it had tried to mount military aggression.

The Wing Commander was praised for displaying great dignity and grace despite his capture. His assault at the hand of Pakistani villagers and the Islamic country’s decision to parade him is in violation of the Geneva Convention.

India had earlier put Pakistan under big pressure by demanding his immediate return and had made it clear that it won’t be making any “deals”. India had also made it clear that the Wing Commander was not an aggressor.

Pakistan was earlier trying to get a deescalation assurance from India in exchange releasing him.