Islamabad: A Pakistani citizen filed Friday a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to stop the imminent release of the captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinanadan Varthaman, stating he committed crime against the country and should be put on trial here. Pakistan troops had captured the IAF pilot Wednesday.
The Pakistan government Thursday decided to release him as ‘a first step’ to open negotiations with India to de-escalate tension after a terror attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed left more than 40 CRPF personnel dead.
The petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought the court’s order to stop Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government from handing over the IAF pilot.
The petitioner said the Indian pilot had violated the airspace of Pakistan to bomb the country and therefore he committed crime against Pakistan and should face trial here.
The court has admitted the petition for hearing. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minhallah will hear the petition ahead of the Indian pilot’s handing over to India.
Abhinanadan is likely to be handed over to the Indian authorities at Wagah border, Friday afternoon. “The Indian pilot will be handed over to Indian likely around 4.00pm,” a source in Pakistan Rangers told this agency.
PTI