Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his pleasure on hearing the news that IAF pilot Abhinandan will be released by Pakistan on Friday.
He tweeted the following:
Very happy to know that our brave Wing Commander #AbhinandanVartaman is going to be back home and be reunited with his family tomorrow. I congratulate every Indian on this wonderful news. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) February 28, 2019
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday afternoon announced his decision to release IAF pilot from their custody as a “gesture of peace”. He mentioned that he had tried reaching out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening, but failed.
This news came hours after USA President Donald Trump had revealed that there would be “reasonably attractive news” from Pakistan and India. It is believed that Saudi Arabia too pressurised Pakistan to release the captured pilot.
IAF pilot Abhinandan, who was captured on Wednesday morning after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down inside PoK, will be delivered at Wagah border on Friday.
In a tweet earlier in the day, Naveen had prayed for his well being and safe return. He had also saluted the courage and valour of Indian Armed Forces.
