PAKISTAN REOPENS AIRSPACE, AIRPORTS
Both sides scale back hostilities as Islamabad prepares to free Indian pilot
FOUR Pakistani airports began partial operations yesterday with a full resumption of commercial flights the day after tomorrow, following their suspension after military tensions with India erupted earlier this week, the Civil Aviation Authority said.
A spokesman said Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta airports began some flights yesterday with the remainder opening next week.
“These four airports will resume flight operations partially today (yesterday),” she said.
She said airspace for all commercial flights would be reopened on Monday at 1pm.
Meanwhile, Pakistan prepared to release a captured Indian pilot as the nuclear powers scaled back their confrontation, at least temporarily, while Indian opposition politicians raised doubts over whether an initial airstrike had destroyed a militant camp.
Both governments claimed they downed jets on Wednesday, with Pakistan capturing an Indian pilot whose MiG jet fighter crashed in enemy territory after a dogfight with a Pakistani JF-17.
The pilot, who India named on Thursday as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, has become the human face of the most recent conflict between the two nations. Having attempted to evade capture, he is being portrayed as a hero in India.
In Wagah, thousands of Indians, some waving flags and singing, gathered to receive Abhinandan. His parents were given a standing ovation by fellow passengers as they boarded a flight to Amritsar near the border crossing here to welcome their son.
Yesterday, thousands of people had crowded in early to get a glimpse of Abhinandan, clutching sweets and garlands as they waited for his return.
A group of schoolchildren brandished a painting of the pilot, along with saffron, white and green Indian flags, and placards reading: “Hope for peace between India & Pakistan” and “Thank you Imran Khan”, referring to Pakistan’s prime minister.
After Abhinandan was shot down on Wednesday, purported footage went viral showing him being beaten by locals before Pakistani soldiers intervened.
A video released by the Pakistani military later showed Abhinandan sipping tea, his face swollen and sporting bruises, but otherwise calm and collected.
His polite refusal to proffer more details than necessary — “I am sorry major, I am not supposed to tell you this” — won him particular sympathy in India.
His father, a retired air force officer, told the Times of India newspaper: “Just look at the way he talked so bravely... a true soldier... we are proud of him.”