Pakistan to release Indian pilot today as 'gesture of peace', says PM Imran Khan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement to release Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a "peace gesture" comes as the Australian government voiced its concern over his capture following an escalation in tensions between the two nations.

Pakistan will release Indian Pilot Abhinandan on Friday as a gesture of peace, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said.

"Out of our desire of peace, I announce that tomorrow, and as a first step towards opening negotiations, Pakistan will be releasing the Indian Air Force officer in our custody," said the prime minister during an address to a joint session of parliament in Islamabad.

Just hours earlier, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) had voiced its concern over the capture of the Indian pilot, saying aid it expected Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to be treated in accordance with international law.

“We expect that any prisoner is treated appropriately, in accordance with international law," a DFAT statement to SBS Hindi read.

Pakistani soldiers stand next to what Pakistan says is the wreckage of an Indian fighter jet shot down in Pakistan controled Kashmir Source: AFP

In Islamabad Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal was then quoted as saying: "We are ready to hand over the Indian pilot if it leads to de-escalation," 

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also hinted at the move. 

"(The) Pakistan Army is responsible and respects military traditions. Indian pilot is being given every kind of facility. Pakistan wants to end hostile relations with India for which we are ready for positive steps."

Pakistani newspapers carry front page news of escalating Pakistan India tensions, in Karachi, Pakistan, 28 February 2019. Source: AAP

It comes after India's spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged to reporters that an Indian Air Force pilot failed to return to base.

India and Pakistan both claim they shot down each other's military jets, but Pakistan has denied its jet has been downed.

Officials show wreckage of missile recovered from Indian territory, allegedly fired by a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet violating Indian Airspace. Source: AAP

'Dangerous cycle of escalation' says Australian government

The Australian Government has strongly reiterated its call for India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and have direct dialogue to resolve these matters in a peaceful manner.

“We urge both sides to avoid any further military action and to step back from a dangerous cycle of escalation," the DFAT statement said.

Australia has not changed any travel advisories for the region however it has kept it under close review.

“The Australian High Commissions in New Delhi and Islamabad are monitoring the situation closely,” DFAT said.

On Wednesday India voiced its strong objection to video of the injured pilot circulated on social media.

Source: AAP Image/ Mohd Zakir/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA

In an official release, India said it “objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions."