Captured IAF pilot released to de-escalate tensions with India: FO
Last updated on: 02 March,2019 07:48 am
Foreign Office spokesperson said that the pilot was treated with dignity during his captivity.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani aircraft, was handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Friday in a peace gesture aimed at aimed at de-escalating tensions with India.
Dr Fariha Bugti, Director Indian Affairs at the Pakistan Foreign Office, was also present on the occasion.
According to a foreign office spokesperson, Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after his MiG-21 was shot down in a dogfight over Kashmir on Wednesday.
Pakistan s Foreign Office spokesperson said that the pilot was "treated with dignity and in line with international law." He further said that his release was "aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India".