Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan receives praise for decision to release Indian pilot from all over the world. Captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman will release today (Friday) as a gesture of peace towards New Delhi and a step showing deescalation in favour of regional peace.
PM Imran Khan receives praise for decision to release Indian pilot
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed PM Imran's decision to release the captured Indian fighter pilot in what was seen as an effort to deescalate the gravest crisis between the two countries in years.
"The report of the release of the Indian pilot by the Pakistani authorities would be very much a welcome step," UN chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in response to a question at a regular briefing at the United Nations' headquarters in New York.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated the PM Imran on his statesman-like offer to India for de-escalating tensions and working towards peace.
Appreciating the announcement by the Pakistan premier to release the captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan, the Turkish president pointed out that this gesture was "a sign of strength."
Navjot Singh Sidhu
Indian cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu also hailed the move and called it a noble act.
"Imran Khan every noble act makes a way for itself…your goodwill gesture is ‘a cup of joy’ for a billion people, a nation rejoices…I am overjoyed for his parents and loved ones.”
@ImranKhanPTI Every noble act makes a way for itself... your goodwill gesture is ‘a cup of joy’ for a billion people, a nation rejoices...
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) February 28, 2019
I am overjoyed for his parents and loved ones.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq hoped better sense would prevail after PM Imran's peace gesture.
Welcome decision by Pakistan PM @ImranKhanPTI to release the captive indian pilot as a peace gesture. Hope better sense prevails the war clouds scatter and the #Kashmir dispute moves towards a peaceful resolution
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) February 28, 2019
Mehbooba Mufti
Former Chief Minister of Indian occupied Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, also lauded PM Imran, calling the release of the Indian Air Force pilot "a great gesture" and hoped the Indian government would reciprocate.
"The release of IAF pilot #AbhinandanVartaman is a great gesture from the Prime Minister of Pakistan @ImranKhanPTI. I hope our [Indian] government will reciprocate it." - Former Chief Minister Indian Occupied Kashmir @MehboobaMufti #LetBetterSensePrevail #ReleaseForPeace pic.twitter.com/JMh8H3C2Bv
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 28, 2019
