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AFP
Wagah
Pakistan has handed over a captured pilot to Indian authorities at the Wagah border, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions after days of hostilities with its South Asian neighbour.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border at around 9pm local time (1600 GMT) on Friday, hours later than expected and sporting a black eye from his ordeal.
A press statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Varthaman has been returned to India and that he was treated “with dignity” during his custody.
“While in captivity, he was treated with dignity and in line with international law. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr Imran Khan announced his return as a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India,” said the statement.
Prime Minister Imran Khan announced his decision to return Varthaman back to Indian officials as a “peace gesture” during a joint sitting of the parliament in capital, Islamabad, on Thursday.
The pilot’s parents travelled to Amritsar, near Wagah, via New Delhi on Thursday night and received a standing ovation from co-passengers.
At the famous Wagah border crossing, thousands of Indians, waving flags, singing and dancing with patriotic fervour, had gathered to welcome Varthaman home.
Wagah
Pakistan has handed over a captured pilot to Indian authorities at the Wagah border, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions after days of hostilities with its South Asian neighbour.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman crossed the Wagah-Attari border at around 9pm local time (1600 GMT) on Friday, hours later than expected and sporting a black eye from his ordeal.
A press statement by Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Varthaman has been returned to India and that he was treated “with dignity” during his custody.
“While in captivity, he was treated with dignity and in line with international law. Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr Imran Khan announced his return as a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India,” said the statement.
Prime Minister Imran Khan announced his decision to return Varthaman back to Indian officials as a “peace gesture” during a joint sitting of the parliament in capital, Islamabad, on Thursday.
The pilot’s parents travelled to Amritsar, near Wagah, via New Delhi on Thursday night and received a standing ovation from co-passengers.
At the famous Wagah border crossing, thousands of Indians, waving flags, singing and dancing with patriotic fervour, had gathered to welcome Varthaman home.
