Will Release of Pilot Abhinandan De-Escalate Indo-Pak Tensions?

Pakistan Prime Minister said that captured IAF pilot Abhinandan will be released on Friday as a “gesture of peace.”

The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia and Hindi Quint Editor Neeraj Gupta deliberate on whether the release of the pilot will result in de-escalation of tensions.

(Photo: The Quint)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday, 28 February, said that his country will release captured IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday, as a “gesture of peace.”

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had earlier said that the country was willing to consider returning the pilot if it meant de-escalation between the two nations.

Will the release of the pilot result in de-escalation of tensions on the ground? The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia and Hindi Quint Editor Neeraj Gupta deliberate on the road ahead for the two nations.

“We are in a sort of war mode and increased tensions could appear. If we look at the Indian government’s behaviour and comments of BJP politicians, it shows that there is no message of de-escalation from India’s side. There is a coded message of escalation. However, over-smartness can be seen from Pakistan in terms of de-escalation.”

Sanjay Pugalia

On Yeddyurappa’s ‘22 Seats’ Remark

Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa’s comment that India’s air strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot will “help BJP win 22 seats in Karnataka,” became an embarrassment not just for the BJP.

Khan’s party – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf – used the BJP leader’s comment to taunt India and alleged that Indians were “manipulated into warmongering” by “people who are desperate to win an election”.

“While, Yeddyurappa’s comments were uncalled for, it is true that BJP has been politicising the event for electoral gains. At a time when the country has to stand united, Yeddyurappa’s comments have exposed BJP’s political play.”

Sanjay Pugalia

On Trump’s Comments on India-Pak Tensions

Amid the heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, US President Donald Trump said there is some "reasonably decent news" from the two countries, as he expressed hope that the escalation will be coming to an end.

The US president pointed out that there's "a lot of dislike unfortunately" as far as the relationship between India and Pakistan is concerned.

“India has given a strong message to the international community that this is beyond our tolerance threshold and that we have to take action now. I don’t think Imran Khan’s move to release the captured IAF pilot will impact India’s stand. Pakistan has to take a bigger step for India to de-esalate.”

Sanjay Pugalia