Indian politicians react on Imran Khan's decision to release IAF pilot: Who said what

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said Pakistan will release the captured Indian Air Force pilot tomorrow as a goodwill gesture. This came after Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Khan is ready to talk to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions and US President Donald Trump hinted at a 'good news'.

"In our desire of peace, I announce that, and as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will release the Indian Air Force officer in our custody tomorrow," Imran Khan announced this in Pakistan Parliament. Addressing the joint session of Parliament, Imran Khan, however, said our de-escalation efforts should not be seen as a weak gesture.

Soon after the announcement, political leaders across parties took to Twitter and welcomed the decision. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “Along with his family members and all our countrymen, we are anxiously waiting for the safe return of our pilot.”

Along with his family members and all our countrymen, we are anxiously waiting for the safe return of our pilot #Abhinandhan

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 28, 2019

Former Jammu and Kashmir CM and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also lauded the decision and said that the decision to hand the Indian Air Force pilot is a great gesture & shouldn’t be seen in isolation. It also comes at a time when Pakistan could’ve chosen to further escalate an already tensed situation. I see it as a mark of reconciliation. Our leadership should reciprocate.

The decision to hand over Wing Commander Abhinandan is a great gesture & shouldnt be seen in isolation. It also comes at a time when Pak could’ve chosen to further escalate an already tensed situation. I see it as a mark of reconciliation . Our leadership should reciprocate. https://t.co/i2RZINyIbk

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 28, 2019

Pak PM has exhibited real statesmanship today. It is time for our political leadership to step up & take measures to de escalate the current situation. People of J&K are living under unimaginable duress. How much longer will we suffer for?

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) February 28, 2019

“Pak PM has exhibited real statesmanship today. It is time for our political leadership to step up & take measures to de-escalate the current situation. People of J&K are living under unimaginable duress. How much longer will we suffer for,” she twitted.

🇮🇳💪😇...Indian IAF Fighter Pilot #Abhinandan held captive comes back home tom. 🙏 for India’s firm stand and international glare.

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2019

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi took to Twitter and said that India’s firm stand and global glare resulted into the return of the Indian Air Force pilot.

I pray and hope brave son of India Wing Commander Abhinandan will be reunited with his family tomorrow.
The country is proud of his courage.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) February 28, 2019

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the country is product of the courage of Indian Air Force pilot.