Sidhu welcomes announcement to release IAF pilot, bats for dialogue

TIL Desk/National/Chandigarh/ Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has welcomed Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s announcement regarding the release of captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Varthaman Abhinandan and argued strongly for a dialogue between both the countries to ensure lasting peace in the region.

“Every noble act makes a way for itself… your goodwill gesture is ‘a cup of joy’ for a billion people, a nation rejoices…I am overjoyed for his parents and loved ones,” Sidhu tweeted on Thursday.

Khan on Thursday announced that the captured IAF pilot will be freed on Friday as a “goodwill gesture” after New Delhi sought his unconditional, immediate and unharmed release. The 35-year-old Wing Commander was captured by Pakistan on Wednesday after his MiG was shot down and fell in Pakistani territory during an aerial dogfight.

Earlier, in an open demi-official letter headlined “We have a Choice,” Sidhu called for a dialogue between both the countries to defeat terror and find a solution in peace.