Islamabad, February 28: Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was taken into custody by Pakistan following an aerial engagement with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the LoC, will be released tomorrow. The announcement was made by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, while addressing the national assembly on Thursday.

Calling it a "peace gesture", Khan said his country would be freeing the captured IAF pilot as it is a votary of peaceful ties with India. The decision also came a day after the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asked Pakistan "safely return" the Air Wing Commander, apart from treating him in accordance with the Geneva Convention.

The pilot, who in Pakistan's custody, has been identified as Air Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He landed in the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK) after an MiG-21 of the IAF was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force.

Watch Video: Imran Khan Announcing Release of Air Commander Varthaman

Pakistan had on Wednesday released a video, in which the IAF personnel was shown drinking tea, and answering a few questions. The MEA had issued a statement against the footage being released by Islamabad, calling a violation of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. Indian Pilot To Return From Pakistan Tomorrow; Here's How Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh, WB CM Mamata Banerjee And Others Reacted.

"It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," said the statement issued by the MEA on Wednesday.

Notably, Khan had also issued a statement, asking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept his invitation for dialogue on all pending issues, "including terrorism".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 28, 2019 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).