Abhinandan returns India, live update: BSF cancels Wagah border ceremony

New Delhi : The Islamabad High Court has dismissed a petition written to stop the return of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. The petition had stated that the IAF pilot had violated the airspace of Pakistan to bomb the country. Therefore, he committed crime against Pakistan and should face trial.

The Indian Air Force will receive the Wing Commander at the Wagah border this afternoon, two days after he was captured while engaging in an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s. The commander's parents reached Delhi from Chennai last evening and are now on their way to Amritsar. The Border Security Force, which is expected to stand guard during the pilot’s arrival, has not been told the “exact time and sequence” of the release.

Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan has announced to release the IAF pilot which came as suprise amidst the increasing tension between the two nuclear-armed countries after an intense aerial confrontation. Khan in Pakistan Parliament called the release of IAF pilot “a gesture of peace.”

Though Pakistan will release Abhinandan, the commander may take some time to return to his normal life, once he is handed over to the Indian authorities.

Deputy Commissioner Shiv Dular Singh Dhillon, Amritsar said that 'Beating the Retreat ceremony at Attari-Wagah Border will not be held today. Senior team of the Indian Air Force will receive Wing Commander. Civilians are being turned back from the Wagah border ahead of the IAF Wing Commanders release from Pakistan.

Sources say the Wagah ceremony will be conducted without public viewing to avoid tensions.