Islamabad, March 1: IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman returned to a rousing welcome on Friday, two days after his capture following a fierce engagement between the airforces of India and Pakistan.
The atmosphere at the Attari border was one of great festivity, where thousands gathered—many holding the tricolor—to welcome their ‘hero’ back.
“If permitted, I will welcome the wing commander with this garland,” a youngster said, holding his garland aloft, as the evening air carried sounds of patriotic songs and drumbeats.
Pakistan detained the pilot after his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed along the LoC. India on Wednesday summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan and demanded immediate and safe return of the IAF pilot who was detained by Pakistan following an aerial engagement by air forces of the two countries.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan addressing a special joint sitting of the parliament on Thursday announced that Pakistan would release the pilot.
The government due to security reasons has not announced any time or place to hand him over to Indian authorities.
But diplomatic sources said the pilot would be taken to the Wagah border crossing near Lahore and handed over to officials of the Indian High Commission. Agencies
