Pak may exchange Abhinandan for de-escalation of tension

February 28, 2019 15:45

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (pictured) said on Thursday that Pakistan is willing to consider returning Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman if it leads to de-escalation of tension and peace with India.

Speaking to Geo News, Qureshi said, "India handed over a dossier to the acting High Commissioner of Pakistan a day earlier and we will examine it. I will evaluate the dossier with an open heart and then see if talks will be held on that.

"We are willing to return the captured Indian pilot if it leads to de-escalation and peace. We are ready for all positive engagement," he added.

India has however stated that there will be no negotiations on Abhinandan Varthaman's release. "India expects Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman to be returned immediately; there is no question of any deal. If Pakistan thinks they have a card to negotiate with then they are mistaken. India expects the Wing Commander to be treated in a humane manner," defence sources said.

Qureshi said, "If Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready, Prime Minister Imran Khan is willing to talk to him."

Wing Commander Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army after his MiG-21 Bison jet crashed on Pakistani soil. Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn claimed that a boy shot at the Indian pilot.

The Indian High Commission in Islamabad last evening gave a demarche to Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) for the immediate and safe return of the IAF pilot, sources said. -- ANI

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