Abhinandan's release: Pakistan refutes allegations of delay by India

'Time bracket that was given was between 8 and 9pm and was agreed upon by Indian officials'


Our Correspondent March 02, 2019
SCREENGRAB

Pakistan refuted Indian allegations on Saturday that there was a delay in the handover of captured pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

 

According to sources, Indian officials were "given a time between 8 and 9pm," and the time bracket was agreed upon by both sides.

"Abhinandan wasn’t handed over late. They were given time between 8-9 pm. The time bracket was agreed on their request. Indian media continues their false news," sources asserted.

Imran Khan wins praise over captured pilot’s release

Pakistan on Friday ‘as a goodwill gesture’ handed over to Indian authorities the captured Indian Air Force (IAF) wing commander as the nuclear-armed neighbours scaled back a confrontation that has prompted world powers to urge restraint.

Abhinandan’s MiG-21 jet was one of the two planes shot down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) after they entered the country's airspace on February 27, a day after Indian warplanes barged into Pakistan and dropped ‘payload’ in a deserted place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Balakot area.

Later, the Foreign Office confirmed handing over of the pilot to India through a statement. “The captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been returned to India today (Friday),” the statement said.

Treatment of captured Indian pilot gets cross-border praise

“While in captivity, he was treated with dignity and in line with international law. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan announced his return as a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating rising tensions with India,” it added.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ