The United Nations has said that Pakistan’s announcement of release of Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman, was a welcome step.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for United Nations Secretary General Antoio Guterres said this to reporters.
The UN official hoped that India and Pakistan would further their efforts to de-escalate the situation. He added that the United Nations and the international community hope for peace in the region.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a peace gesture, announced that the IAF pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released on Friday.
Pakistani forces captured the Indian pilot after shooting down his Mig-21 Bison fighter plane, in an air chase close to noon on Wednesday.
The Indian government, including prime minister Narendra Modi, talked tough, saying “no Kandahar-like compromise” for the release of Wg Cdr Abhinandan.
It may be recalled that in December 1999, terrorists hijacked an Indian domestic flight to Kandahar and succeeded in getting Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar released. Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Indian prime minister at that time.
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