PM announces release of Indian pilot Abhinandan as 'peace gesture'

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing a joint parliamentary session in the wake of soaring tensions between India and Pakistan, announced to release the captured Indian pilot, Abhinandan, as a gesture of peace.

After presenting a tribute to the opposition and the entire nation for standing united during the recent time, PM Khan asserted “to not misconstrue Pakistan’s desire for de-escalation as weakness.”

He again urged India not to go beyond this point of aggression as all issues should be resolved through dialogue. “Countries are ruined because of miscalculation. War is not a solution. If India takes any action, we will have to retaliate,” PM Khan vehemently said.

“The only purpose of our strike was to demonstrate our capability and will. We did not want to inflict any casualty on India as we wanted to act in a responsible manner.”

As a gesture of peace, the prime minister announced to release the captured pilot of Indian Air Force, Abhinandan, tomorrow

“I had said that if India does something then we will respond,” he continued.

Prime Minister Khan appreciated the Pakistani media and noted that Indian media created war hysteria. However, “our media showed solidarity and acted responsibly.”

As a gesture of peace, the prime minister announced to release the captured pilot of Indian Air Force tomorrow.

‘Pakistan was blamed within 30 minutes after Pulwama attack’

Referring to Feb 14 Pulwama attack, PM Khan regretted that Pakistan was blamed within 30 minutes following the incident.

“I am not saying India was involved in Pulwama attack but tell us how it can benefit Pakistan?” the premier questioned recalling series of important events scheduled in Pakistan during the same time period. “We did ask India to give evidences” and assured them of taking an action, but rather than providing proofs, India started warmongering, he lamented.

Despite our repeated offers for dialogue on number of occasions, India never responded positively, the premier lamented while recounting his July 26 address and letter to the United Nations, asking Indian Prime Minister for peace talks.

The invitation of dialogue was given in the view of rising poverty in the South Asian region, he stated.

‘How long will Pakistan be blamed for everything in Kashmir?’

On the floor of the parliament, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted that the current Pak-Ind situation is because of Kashmir issue. “At one point, Kashmiri leaders had not wanted separation, but owing to Indian brutalities, today all they demand is – independence.”

Drawing attention over India’s frequent allegations against Pakistan, the PM asked: “How long will Pakistan be blamed for everything in Kashmir? And asked to take action without any proof?”

He emphasized that holding talks with Kashmir are very critical.”The situation should not get out of hand or Pakistan will have to retaliate,” PM Khan warned.

The joint parliamentary session was summoned to send a strong message to New Delhi that the nation is united in the face of Indian belligerent acts.

The soaring tensions reached a new height between the two neighbouring countries as two fighter jets of Indian Air Force were shot down by Pakistan Air Force in broad day light on Wednesday.

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said the military action from Pakistan was a demonstration of its defense capability as a reaction towards violation of Line of Control by Indian fighter jets on Feb 26.