Arsalan
THINK TANK CHAIRMAN
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Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured by Pakistani forces when his Mig 21 aircraft was shot down by PAF in Kashmir in what may turn out to be the peak of India-Pakistan 2019 escalation post Pulwama attack. The aerial battle took place on February 26, 2019.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan announced on February 28 less than 48 hours after his capture that he will be released and handed back to India as a goodwill gesture and to promote peace. He is being handed over to Indian Authorities at Wagha border today (March 1, 2019).
He was escorted to border by Pakistan army and is to handed over to Red Cross and BSF authorities at the border.
Indian people gathered at Wagha border to welcome the fallen pilot back to home. Despite Indian authorities canceling the regular Wagha Border ceremony to keep the public away from the area there were quite a few people who gathered to welcome him back.
For a change, this time Indian authorities from Indian Airforce and Border Security Force were also present at Wagha border to receive him though he was handed over to Red Cross first. The last time an Indian pilot was captured by Pakistan, in 1999, the handover was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who acted as a "neutral intermediary" after Indian officials refused to receive him before media.
PM Imran Khan, while addressing the joint session of Parliament, urged India not to escalate the situation as he announced to free the captured Indian pilot. “Don’t take this any further, Pakistan will be forced to retaliate," he warned, noting that the de-escalation efforts made by Pakistan should not be considered as weakness.
Despite the ridiculous and irresponsible coverage of the release by Indian media, this is a major moral victory for Pakistan and Imran Khan have distinguished himself from what he called "small men in big offices" a few months back. While Indian authorities and media have left no stone unturned in escalating the situation, this master stroke from Pakistani authorities have clarified the standing of both governments very well. Not just the government but the pubic as well.
Most Pakistanis want IAF pilot Abhinandan's safe return
@TaimiKhan @waz @Slav Defence @Joe Shearer @HRK
EDIT: Wing Commander Abhinandan handed over to Indian authorities after security clearance. Process complete, he is back in India now.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan announced on February 28 less than 48 hours after his capture that he will be released and handed back to India as a goodwill gesture and to promote peace. He is being handed over to Indian Authorities at Wagha border today (March 1, 2019).
He was escorted to border by Pakistan army and is to handed over to Red Cross and BSF authorities at the border.
Indian people gathered at Wagha border to welcome the fallen pilot back to home. Despite Indian authorities canceling the regular Wagha Border ceremony to keep the public away from the area there were quite a few people who gathered to welcome him back.
For a change, this time Indian authorities from Indian Airforce and Border Security Force were also present at Wagha border to receive him though he was handed over to Red Cross first. The last time an Indian pilot was captured by Pakistan, in 1999, the handover was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who acted as a "neutral intermediary" after Indian officials refused to receive him before media.
PM Imran Khan, while addressing the joint session of Parliament, urged India not to escalate the situation as he announced to free the captured Indian pilot. “Don’t take this any further, Pakistan will be forced to retaliate," he warned, noting that the de-escalation efforts made by Pakistan should not be considered as weakness.
Despite the ridiculous and irresponsible coverage of the release by Indian media, this is a major moral victory for Pakistan and Imran Khan have distinguished himself from what he called "small men in big offices" a few months back. While Indian authorities and media have left no stone unturned in escalating the situation, this master stroke from Pakistani authorities have clarified the standing of both governments very well. Not just the government but the pubic as well.
Most Pakistanis want IAF pilot Abhinandan's safe return
@TaimiKhan @waz @Slav Defence @Joe Shearer @HRK
EDIT: Wing Commander Abhinandan handed over to Indian authorities after security clearance. Process complete, he is back in India now.
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