Pakistan has announced on February 28 that they will release the captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a gesture of peace, hours after a strong message from India demanding his unconditional release, largely de-escalating the tensions between two neighboring countries.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan’s surprise announcement to a joint session of Parliament that they will release the Wing Commander Varthaman on March 1 was greeted by loud thumping of desks by the lawmakers.
However, India does not seem to appear in any mood to have talks with neighboring Pakistan, saying it first wants action from Islamabad on combating terrorism.
Pakistan has announced on February 28 that they will release the captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a gesture of peace, hours after a strong message from India demanding his unconditional release, largely de-escalating the tensions between two neighboring countries.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan’s surprise announcement to a joint session of Parliament that they will release the Wing Commander Varthaman on March 1 was greeted by loud thumping of desks by the lawmakers. Earlier, his Foreign Minister said that Mr. Khan was also willing to talk peace to PM Narendra Modi over the phone.
However, India does not seem to appear in any mood to have talks with neighboring Pakistan, saying it first wants action from Islamabad on combating terrorism. New Delhi had also made it very clear that Wing Commander Abhinandan cannot be a bargaining chip while demanding his unconditional and immediate repatriation.