Abhinandan release: Pakistan just following Geneva convention, says IAF

The Indian Air Force on Thursday said that they see Pakistan's decision to release captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman only as an action in accordance to the Geneva convention.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that they are releasing Indian wing commander as 'peace gesture' aimed at de-escalating tensions with India.

"As far as the IAF is concerned, we are happy that our pilot - who is in Pakistan's custody - is returning... but we only see it as a gesture in compliance with the Geneva Convention," Air-Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said at a joint briefing of the Army, Air Force and the Navy today.

IAF wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan after he ejected from crashing MiG 21, unfortunately landing in the PoK.

Mr Khan had announced his government's decision to release Wing Commander Varthaman at a joint session of the Pakistan Parliament. "In our desire of peace, I announce that as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will release the Indian Air Force officer in our custody tomorrow," he said, but cautioned that the move should not viewed as a "sign of weakness".

New Delhi :