Qatari Emir calls PM Imran, appreciates Pakistan’s gesture of releasing Indian pilot

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Qatari Emir underscored the importance of immediate de-escalation in his phone call with PM Imran. Photo: File
 

ISLAMABAD: Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Sunday spoke on phone with Prime Minister Imran Khan and said he appreciated Pakistan’s gesture to release Indian pilot after his aircraft was shot down.

Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released by Pakistan on Friday as a "gesture of peace" after his aircraft was shot down by Pakistan Air Force.

According to Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, the Qatari Emir appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and underscored the importance of immediate de-escalation.

“Amir of Qatar and PM Khan spoke on phone. Amir appreciated Pakistan’s gesture of releasing the Indian POW and underscored the importance of immediate de-escalation. He offered his facilitation in this regard,” the spokesperson tweeted.

Tensions between Pakistan and India have heightened after New Delhi without any proof blamed Pakistan for harbouring terrorists behind the Pulwama attack. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in response called for dialogue and urged India to provide actionable intelligence.

On Tuesday, Indian military aircraft violated the Line of Control (LoC) as they "intruded" from the Muzaffarabad sector but were forced to return owing to the timely response of the Pakistan Air Force.

Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed it had shot down two Indian aircraft which had crossed over the LoC and taken one Indian pilot in custody.