'India wanted to send plane to bring back IAF pilot Abhinandan, Pakistan refused,' say Govt sources
Pakistan PM Imran Khan on Thursday announced to release IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, after which India wanted to send a special plane to bring ‘captured’ Wing Commander Abhinandan, however, Pakistan refused to permit, said government's sources.
Pakistan Prime Minister announced Varthaman’s release as a ‘peace gesture,’ a move to reduce the tension from both neighbouring countries engaged in aerial combat after decades.
As per to NDTV, sources say India wanted to bring him back to Delhi in a special IAF flight and take him away for a debriefing and medical check-up. Officials did not want the pilot to be accosted by reporters.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan on Wednesday will walk back to his country (India) today.
IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will be handed over to India via Wagah border today afternoon said Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the spokesperson. He further added he will be handed over around 3 to 4 pm.
Pakistan has felt huge pressure from world leaders, that has urged it and even India to step back as hostilities peaked over the past few days. India and Pakistan have been under tension over border escalation via aerial routes and war like hysteria had been created amongst the two neighbouring countries but with IAF Pilot Abhinandan’s release, it is being expected that the situation would normalize.
Also read: Pakistan: IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to be released to India this afternoon at Wagah border
First published: 1 March 2019, 13:34 IST