Indians welcome return of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman at Wagah border

SUMMARY

Indian Aire Force's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is going to be released today by the Pakistan government at the Wagah Border in Attari, Punjab. Wagah Border is filled with more than the usual crowd to welcome IAF pilot Varthaman home. Emotions run high among people who are seen flocking in numbers with the Indian National Flag in their hand and the same painted on their faces. A team of Indian Air Force officials will be present at the Wagah border to receive Wing Commander Abhinandan, sources in the government said. Punjab chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh has also offered to receive the Wing Commander. The release of the IAF pilot was announced by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Pakistan Parliament as a gesture of peace. "In our desire of peace, I announce that tomorrow, and as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will be releasing the Indian Air Force officer in our custody," Khan said in Parliament. Pakistan held Varthaman on Wednesday after fighter jets of both the nations engaged in an air battle following an unsuccessful attempt to target Indian military installations in retaliatory strikes.

By CNBC-TV18Mar 1, 2019 5:31:01 PM IST (Updated)

Civilians, as well as, Punjab police officers celebrate the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Civilians with Indian National Flag painted on their faces celebrate the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Both the Indian National Flag and the Pakistani Flag can be seen from a distance at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Emotions run high among civilians who celebrate the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

With the Indian flag in their hands, civilians celebrate the return of Indian Air Force commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Civilians have also carried garlands to welcome wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was released today by Pakistan at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Civilians celebrate the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Atari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Civilians, as well as, Punjab police officers awaiting the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Atari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

A man with drums is all geared up to welcome wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman home as media persons setup cameras for the countdown at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)

Punjab police officers cordon off the roads as the country celebrates the return of wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman at the Wagah Border, Attari, Punjab. (Credits: News18 video journalist Neeraj)