Pakistan to free Indian pilot in bid to end crisis

PAKISTAN yesterday said it will return a captured pilot to India as a ‘peace gesture’ to ease tensions between the nuclear powers.

Imran Khan, Pakistan’s prime minister, said the airman would be released today to try to de-escalate the crisis following two days of air strikes and angry accusations between the neighbours.

India’s premier Narendra Modi has yet to respond to an offer of direct talks with Mr Khan and has accused Pakistan of harbouring a terrorist group which killed 40 Indian troops in the disputed region of Kashmir two weeks ago.

Pakistan shot down and captured the Indian pilot in retaliation for airstrikes being unleashed on Pakistani territory last Tuesday. India said it remains on high alert.