Pakistan will release a captured Indian pilot as a “peace gesture” on Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said. Mr Khan revealed the decision in parliament after a speech in which he said Pakistan was focused on de-escalation.
Pakistan shot down the pilot’s jet on Wednesday, as tensions rose with India over the disputed region of Kashmir. The capture of Abhinandan Varthaman was a major setback for India. Both sides are under pressure to calm tensions.
Pakistan will release Indian Pilot Abhinandan tomorrow as a gesture of peace: Prime Minister Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/6aUN4S9JVb
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 28, 2019
Pakistan said it had no choice but to retaliate with air strikes on Wednesday, which led to a dogfight and the Indian fighter jet being shot down in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.