NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that an Indian pilot detained after his plane was shot down would be released on Friday, as a "peace gesture" to ease the tensions that have been building between the two nuclear-armed states.
"In our desire of peace, I announce that tomorrow, and as a first step to open negotiations, Pakistan will be releasing the Indian Air Force officer in our custody," Khan told parliament. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told local reporters that Khan is ready to speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone.
