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{{short description|Officer in the Indian Air Force}} | {{short description|Officer in the Indian Air Force}} | ||
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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}{{Use Indian English|date = April 2019}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}{{Use Indian English|date = April 2019}} | ||
{{Infobox military person | {{Infobox military person | ||
| honorific_prefix = [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] | | honorific_prefix = [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] | ||
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[[File:Sheeju mig21.JPG|thumb|A [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] Bison of the [[Indian Air Force]].]] | [[File:Sheeju mig21.JPG|thumb|A [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] Bison of the [[Indian Air Force]].]] | ||
[[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] '''Abhinandan Varthaman''' [[Vir Chakra|VrC]] (born 21 June 1983) is an [[Indian Air Force]] [[fighter pilot]] who, during the [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]], was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial [[dogfight]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested|last=|date=28 February 2019|website=DAWN.COM|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Saved From Pakistani Mob, Downed Indian Pilot Becomes Face of Kashmir Crisis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |work=The New York Times|date=27 February 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024524/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=Pakistan hands back captured Indian pilot|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302131948/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=2 March 2019|access-date=4 March 2019|website=BBC}}</ref> He was awarded | [[Wing commander (rank)|Wing Commander]] '''Abhinandan Varthaman''', [[Vir Chakra|VrC]] (born 21 June 1983) is an [[Indian Air Force]] [[fighter pilot]] who, during the [[2019 India–Pakistan standoff]], was held captive in Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial [[dogfight]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|title=2 Indian aircraft violating Pakistani airspace shot down; 2 pilots arrested|last=|date=28 February 2019|website=DAWN.COM|access-date=28 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227094831/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466347|archive-date=27 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Saved From Pakistani Mob, Downed Indian Pilot Becomes Face of Kashmir Crisis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |work=The New York Times|date=27 February 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302024524/https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2019/02/27/world/asia/27reuters-india-kashmir-pilot-socialmedia.html |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=Pakistan hands back captured Indian pilot|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302131948/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=2 March 2019|access-date=4 March 2019|website=BBC}}</ref> He was awarded with [[Vir Chakra]] by the Indian government for shooting down of a PAF F-16 with his MiG-21 Bison.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Seligman|first=Lara|title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No.|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Foreign Policy|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=F-16 Units - Pakistan Air Force|url=https://www.f-16.net/units_airforce181.html|access-date=2021-01-17|website=www.f-16.net}}</ref> | ||
Pakistan released videos and images showing Varthaman being rescued from a violent mob of villagers by its soldiers, receiving first aid and being questioned while blindfolded. Pakistan decided on 28 February 2019 to release him. He returned to India at [[Wagah]] on 1 March 2019. Varthaman was conferred the [[Vir Chakra]] gallantry award in August 2019.<ref name="Peri-Hindu">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wg-cdr-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-conferred-vir-chakra/article29090657.ece|title=Wing Commander Abhinandan to be awarded Vir Chakra|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=14 August 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=14 August 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He is also known for his distinctive style of moustache. | Pakistan released videos and images showing Varthaman being rescued from a violent mob of villagers by its soldiers, receiving first aid and being questioned while blindfolded. Pakistan decided on 28 February 2019 to release him. He returned to India at [[Wagah]] on 1 March 2019. Varthaman was conferred the [[Vir Chakra]] gallantry award in August 2019.<ref name="Peri-Hindu">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/wg-cdr-abhinandan-varthaman-to-be-conferred-vir-chakra/article29090657.ece|title=Wing Commander Abhinandan to be awarded Vir Chakra|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=14 August 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=14 August 2019|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He is also known for his distinctive style of moustache. | ||
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On 27 February 2019, Varthaman was flying a [[MiG-21]] as a part of a sortie that was scrambled to intercept an intrusion into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] by Pakistani aircraft. In the dogfight that ensued, he crossed into Pakistan territory and his aircraft was struck by a missile. Varthaman ejected and safely descended into the village of [[Horran]] in [[Pakistan administered Kashmir]], approximately {{Convert|7|km|miles|abbr=in}} from the [[Line of Control]].<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|title=Fighter pilot 'opened fire' before capture|last=Khan|first=M. Ilyas|date=1 March 2019|via=www.bbc.com|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013431/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k1geCvUMas|title=Abhinandan raised slogans, tried to destroy documents just before being captured in Pak (BBC Hindi)|date=28 February 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> | On 27 February 2019, Varthaman was flying a [[MiG-21]] as a part of a sortie that was scrambled to intercept an intrusion into [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] by Pakistani aircraft. In the dogfight that ensued, he crossed into Pakistan territory and his aircraft was struck by a missile. Varthaman ejected and safely descended into the village of [[Horran]] in [[Pakistan administered Kashmir]], approximately {{Convert|7|km|miles|abbr=in}} from the [[Line of Control]].<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|title=Fighter pilot 'opened fire' before capture|last=Khan|first=M. Ilyas|date=1 March 2019|via=www.bbc.com|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301013431/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47397418|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k1geCvUMas|title=Abhinandan raised slogans, tried to destroy documents just before being captured in Pak (BBC Hindi)|date=28 February 2019|via=YouTube}}</ref> | ||
Local villagers said Varthaman could be identified as an Indian pilot by the Indian flag on his parachute.<ref name="auto3" /> Upon landing, Varthaman asked the villagers whether he was in India, to which a young boy said yes.<ref name="auto3" /> Varthaman reportedly said pro-India slogans, to which the locals responded with pro-Pakistan slogans. Varthaman began to run while firing warning shots. He ran for approximately {{Convert|500|metres|feet|abbr=on}} to a small pond, where he attempted to sink and swallow some of his documents. The villagers captured and manhandled Varthaman before he was rescued by the Pakistan Army. | Local villagers said Varthaman could be identified as an Indian pilot by the Indian flag on his parachute.<ref name="auto3" /> Upon landing, Varthaman asked the villagers whether he was in India, to which a young boy said yes.<ref name="auto3" /> Varthaman reportedly said pro-India slogans, to which the locals responded with pro-Pakistan slogans. Varthaman began to run while firing warning shots. He ran for approximately {{Convert|500|metres|feet|abbr=on}} to a small pond, where he attempted to sink and swallow some of his documents. The villagers captured and manhandled Varthaman before he was rescued by the Pakistan Army.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|authorlink=Jeffrey Gettleman|first2=Suhasini|last2=Raj|authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|date=1 March 2019|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | ||
Later that day, the [[Indian Ministry of External Affairs]] confirmed an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets. | Later that day, the [[Indian Ministry of External Affairs]] confirmed an Indian pilot was missing in action after a MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was lost while engaging with Pakistani jets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/india-pak-tensions-live-iaf-wing-commander-missing-after-mig-21-crash-pakistan-claims-he-is-in-their-custody-says-govt-2049727.html|title=India-Pak Tensions LIVE: IAF Wing Commander Missing After MiG-21 Crash, Pakistan Claims He is in Their Custody, Says Govt|date=27 February 2019|website=News18|access-date=28 February 2019}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/><ref>{{cite news|author=Thomson Reuters|title=Saved from a Pakistani mob, a downed Indian pilot becomes the face of the Kashmir crises|date=27 February 2019|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/pakistan-india-saynotowar-pilot-abhinandan-varthaman-1.5036374|publisher=CBC News|website=cbc.ca|access-date=2 March 2019}}</ref> A statement released by the IAF also said before the crash, Varthaman had shot down a PAF [[F-16|Lockheed Martin F-16]].<ref>{{cite web|date=3 March 2019|title='Abhinandan Varthaman is first IAF pilot to down an F-16': Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-is-first-iaf-pilot-to-down-an-f-16-air-chief-marshal-s-krishnaswamy/story-jMNbRKI4vJfwWp2vy0x79J.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303120552/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-is-first-iaf-pilot-to-down-an-f-16-air-chief-marshal-s-krishnaswamy/story-jMNbRKI4vJfwWp2vy0x79J.html|archive-date=3 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Enough evidence to show Pak used F16s, 'disinformation' by Pak: Indian Air Force |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/shorts/enough-evidence-to-show-pak-used-f16s-disinformation-by-pak-indian-air-force |access-date=2 March 2019 |work=News Laundry |date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043405/https://www.newslaundry.com/shorts/enough-evidence-to-show-pak-used-f16s-disinformation-by-pak-indian-air-force |archive-date=6 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pubby |first1=Manu |title=Abhinandan Varthaman's MiG21 locked in Pakistan's F16 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/f16-shot-down-varthamans-mig21-locked-in-pakistans-f16/articleshow/68193757.cms |access-date=2 March 2019 |work=Economic Times |date=28 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228130414/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/f16-shot-down-varthamans-mig21-locked-in-pakistans-f16/articleshow/68193757.cms |archive-date=28 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> At a media briefing on 2 March 2019, nearly two days after the aerial engagement between PAF and IAF, the IAF displayed the parts of [[AMRAAM|AIM-120 AMRAAM]] missiles, which could be used only by the PAF's F-16. The IAF also said they had identified the electronic signatures of the aircraft and confirmed that F-16 were used during the skirmish. According to an agreement between the US and Pakistan, Pakistan is only allowed to use the F-16 against terrorists.<ref>{{Cite web|last=[[Press Trust of India]]|first=|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|date=2019-03-09|title=Abhinandan-piloted MiG-21 Bison shot down Pak F-16; have electronic evidence: MEA|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-1474267-2019-03-09|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Pakistan's [[Inter-Services Public Relations]] Director General refuted the later claims and said F-16s had not been used in the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/en/dg-ispr-press-conference-indian-jets/|title=Pakistan army refutes Indian claims of downing F-16; says Pakistan doesn't want war|date=27 February 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228164226/https://arynews.tv/en/dg-ispr-press-conference-indian-jets/|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The US-based ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' magazine, quoting unnamed US officials, reported in April 2019 that an audit didn't find any Pakistani F-16s missing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Seligman|first=Lara|title=Did India Shoot Down a Pakistani Jet? U.S. Count Says No.|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/04/04/did-india-shoot-down-a-pakistani-jet-u-s-count-says-no/|access-date=2021-05-16|website=Foreign Policy|language=en-US}}</ref> However, the same has not been confirmed by US Officials denying any such counts, citing it as a bilateral matter between the US and Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-04-29|title=US Refuses To Confirm If Indian Mig 21 Shot-Down Pakistani F-16 Fighter Jet|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/us-refuses-to-confirm-if-indian-mig-21-shot-down-pakistani-f-16-fighter-jet/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=EurAsian Times|language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
=== Videos === | === Videos === | ||
Videos and images released by Pakistani authorities showed Varthaman being rescued from a violent mob by Pakistani soldiers<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|authorlink1=Jeffrey Gettleman|first2=Suhasini|last2=Raj|authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|date=1 March 2019|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and being interrogated while tied and blindfolded with a bloody face.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> Other videos showed him receiving first aid and being further interrogated over tea. | Videos and images released by Pakistani authorities showed Varthaman being rescued from a violent mob by Pakistani soldiers<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea|first1=Jeffrey|last1=Gettleman|authorlink1=Jeffrey Gettleman|first2=Suhasini|last2=Raj|authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|date=1 March 2019|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and being interrogated while tied and blindfolded with a bloody face.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> Other videos showed him receiving first aid and being further interrogated over tea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/national/news/iaf-pilot-abhinandan-vartman-getting-first-aid-from-pakistan-army-viral-video-6029898.html|title=अभिनंदन के पीओके में गिरने के तुरंत बाद का नया वीडियो, इसमें दिख रहा है कि विंग कमांडर को पकड़ने के बाद कितनी दहशत में थे पाक सैनिक, जल्दबाजी में जमीन पर ही लेटा कर करने लगे खून साफ|first=S.|last=Ashwani|date=4 March 2019|website=Dainik Bhaskar}}</ref><ref name="auto" /><ref name="auto1"/> The media received a mixed reception; some commentators criticised the reports as a "vulgar display" while others praised the intervention of the Pakistani soldiers when Varthaman was in the hands of the mob and was being beaten.<ref name="auto1"/> The release of the videos was suspected of being a violation of the [[Geneva Conventions]] and were deleted by Pakistani authorities after they went [[Viral video|viral]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/experts-say-pakistan-violated-geneva-conventions-by-tweeting-video-of-captured-indian-pilot|title=Pakistan may have violated Geneva Conventions after posting video of captured pilot|first=Louis|last=Casiano|date=27 February 2019|website=Fox News|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301151437/https://www.foxnews.com/world/experts-say-pakistan-violated-geneva-conventions-by-tweeting-video-of-captured-indian-pilot|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Experts gave different opinions about the validity of the Geneva Convention to this case.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/437668-geneva-convention-experts-differ-over-immunity-to-indian-pilot/|title=Geneva Convention: Experts differ over immunity to Indian pilot|date=28 February 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|publisher=The News International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228143130/https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/437668-geneva-convention-experts-differ-over-immunity-to-indian-pilot|archive-date=28 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Repatriation and subsequent developments== | ==Repatriation and subsequent developments== | ||
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On 28 February 2019, Prime Minister of Pakistan [[Imran Khan]] announced at a joint sitting of the [[Parliament of Pakistan]] the government had decided to release Abhinandan the next day as a "gesture of peace".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |title=PM announces release of Indian pilot Abhinandan as 'peace gesture' |date=28 February 2019 |website=Ary News |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301125526/https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> A petition was filed before the [[Islamabad High Court]] seeking an injunction to stop his release but the court dismissed it the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1920833/1-ihc-dismisses-petition-challenging-release-of-indian-pilot/|title=IHC dismisses petition challenging release of Indian pilot|date=1 March 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> [[Shah Mehmood Qureshi]], the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)|Foreign Minister of Pakistan]], said his government announced the release of the IAF Wing Commander out of a desire for peace and that there was no compulsion or pressure on Pakistan, as was implied by the Indian media.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=2 March 2019|title=No compulsion or pressure to release Abhinandan, did it for peace: Qureshi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152622/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183|archive-date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|website=DAWN}}</ref> | On 28 February 2019, Prime Minister of Pakistan [[Imran Khan]] announced at a joint sitting of the [[Parliament of Pakistan]] the government had decided to release Abhinandan the next day as a "gesture of peace".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |title=PM announces release of Indian pilot Abhinandan as 'peace gesture' |date=28 February 2019 |website=Ary News |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301125526/https://arynews.tv/en/imran-khan-addresses-joint-parliamentary-session/ |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> A petition was filed before the [[Islamabad High Court]] seeking an injunction to stop his release but the court dismissed it the same day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1920833/1-ihc-dismisses-petition-challenging-release-of-indian-pilot/|title=IHC dismisses petition challenging release of Indian pilot|date=1 March 2019|website=The Express Tribune|access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> [[Shah Mehmood Qureshi]], the [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Pakistan)|Foreign Minister of Pakistan]], said his government announced the release of the IAF Wing Commander out of a desire for peace and that there was no compulsion or pressure on Pakistan, as was implied by the Indian media.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=2 March 2019|title=No compulsion or pressure to release Abhinandan, did it for peace: Qureshi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302152622/https://www.dawn.com/news/1467183|archive-date=2 March 2019|access-date=2 March 2019|website=DAWN}}</ref> | ||
However, in October 2020, a senior opposition leader who was [[Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan|Speaker of the National Assembly]] during the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)|PML-N]] government in Pakistan, [[Ayaz Sadiq|Sardar Ayaz Sadiq]] had claimed in the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]] that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released after Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a meeting of Pakistan's top leaders that India would attack Pakistan if Abhinandan weren't released.<ref>{{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2020-10-29|title=Pakistan released IAF pilot Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan after India’s attack threat, claims PMLN leader|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-pilot-wg-cdr-abhinandan-was-released-after-indian-attack-threat-says-pml-n-leader/article32970711.ece|access-date=2021-05-16|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-10-31|title=I stand by my stance, have never made irresponsible statements: Ayaz Sadiq|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1587845|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=[[Dawn.com]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pak Opposition MP Says Abhinandan Was Released As Army Chief Feared India's Attack|url=https://thewire.in/south-asia/pakistan-abhinandan-varthaman-qamar-bajwa-balakot|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]}}</ref> | However, in October 2020, a senior opposition leader who was [[Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan|Speaker of the National Assembly]] during the [[Pakistan Muslim League (N)|PML-N]] government in Pakistan, [[Ayaz Sadiq|Sardar Ayaz Sadiq]] had claimed in the [[National Assembly of Pakistan|National Assembly]] that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was released after Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a meeting of Pakistan's top leaders that India would attack Pakistan if Abhinandan weren't released.<ref> {{Cite news|others=PTI|date=2020-10-29|title=Pakistan released IAF pilot Wg. Cdr. Abhinandan after India’s attack threat, claims PMLN leader|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-pilot-wg-cdr-abhinandan-was-released-after-indian-attack-threat-says-pml-n-leader/article32970711.ece|access-date=2021-05-16|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-10-31|title=I stand by my stance, have never made irresponsible statements: Ayaz Sadiq|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1587845|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=[[Dawn.com]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Pak Opposition MP Says Abhinandan Was Released As Army Chief Feared India's Attack|url=https://thewire.in/south-asia/pakistan-abhinandan-varthaman-qamar-bajwa-balakot|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=[[The Wire (India)|The Wire]]}}</ref> | ||
Varthaman crossed the India-Pakistan border at [[Wagah]] on 1 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=1 March 2019|title=Captured IAF pilot handed over to officials in Delhi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301165512/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|archive-date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref><ref name="Captured">{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301173217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey|authorlink1=Jeffrey Gettleman|last2=Raj |first2=Suhasini|authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html |work=The New York Times|date=1 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> At a political rally, the Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] welcomed Abhinandan's release, saying the nation was proud of him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |title=PM Modi welcomes IAF pilot Abhinandan, says 'nation proud of your exemplary courage' |date=1 March 2019 |website=The Times of India |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302104701/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hours before his release, a new video showing Varthaman praising the Pakistani army while criticizing the Indian media was released to the Pakistani media. IAF later said it had been filmed while Varthaman was under duress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Subjected to mental harassment by ISI, says IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304034526/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|archive-date=4 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Abhinandan's video was recorded in captivity under duress: IAF|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/abhinandans-video-was-recorded-in-captivity-under-duress-iaf/articleshow/68225068.cms|url-status=live|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/pakistans-propaganda-video-of-indian-pilot-abhinandan-had-at-least-16-cuts/200299/|title=Pakistan's propaganda video of Indian pilot Abhinandan had at least 16 cuts|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302090835/https://theprint.in/defence/pakistans-propaganda-video-of-indian-pilot-abhinandan-had-at-least-16-cuts/200299/|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A medical check-up upon his return located multiple bruises and a fractured rib but no 'significant injuries'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |title=Abhinandan is back but with a rib fracture and some bruises |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=2 March 2019 |website=The Economic Times |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303085448/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |archive-date=3 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abhinandan said the Pakistani authorities did not physically torture him but subjected him to considerable "mental harassment". Pakistan said he was treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | Varthaman crossed the India-Pakistan border at [[Wagah]] on 1 March 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=|date=1 March 2019|title=Captured IAF pilot handed over to officials in Delhi|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301165512/https://www.dawn.com/news/1466951|archive-date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 March 2019|website=DAWN.COM}}</ref><ref name="Captured">{{cite news|title=Abhinandan: Captured Indian pilot handed back by Pakistan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301173217/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47412884|archive-date=1 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey|authorlink1=Jeffrey Gettleman|last2=Raj |first2=Suhasini|authorlink2=Suhasini Raj|title=Pakistan Frees Indian Pilot Who Was Beaten by a Mob and Then Served Tea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html |work=The New York Times|date=1 March 2019 |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301220828/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/01/world/asia/india-pakistan-plane-abhinandan-varthaman-india.html |archive-date=1 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> At a political rally, the Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] welcomed Abhinandan's release, saying the nation was proud of him.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |title=PM Modi welcomes IAF pilot Abhinandan, says 'nation proud of your exemplary courage' |date=1 March 2019 |website=The Times of India |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302104701/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pm-modi-welcomes-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-says-nation-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage/articleshow/68223927.cms |archive-date=2 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Hours before his release, a new video showing Varthaman praising the Pakistani army while criticizing the Indian media was released to the Pakistani media. IAF later said it had been filmed while Varthaman was under duress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Subjected to mental harassment by ISI, says IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304034526/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/subjected-to-mental-harassment-by-isi-says-iaf-wing-commander-abhinandan/videoshow/68239392.cms|archive-date=4 March 2019|access-date=3 March 2019|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Abhinandan's video was recorded in captivity under duress: IAF|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/abhinandans-video-was-recorded-in-captivity-under-duress-iaf/articleshow/68225068.cms|url-status=live|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/pakistans-propaganda-video-of-indian-pilot-abhinandan-had-at-least-16-cuts/200299/|title=Pakistan's propaganda video of Indian pilot Abhinandan had at least 16 cuts|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302090835/https://theprint.in/defence/pakistans-propaganda-video-of-indian-pilot-abhinandan-had-at-least-16-cuts/200299/|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> A medical check-up upon his return located multiple bruises and a fractured rib but no 'significant injuries'.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |title=Abhinandan is back but with a rib fracture and some bruises |last=Gurung |first=Shaurya Karanbir |date=2 March 2019 |website=The Economic Times |access-date=2 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303085448/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/abhinandan-is-back-but-with-a-rib-fracture-and-some-bruises/articleshow/68232959.cms |archive-date=3 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Abhinandan said the Pakistani authorities did not physically torture him but subjected him to considerable "mental harassment". Pakistan said he was treated in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|title=Abhinandan Varthaman Says He Was Mentally Harassed in Pakistan: Report|website=NDTV.com|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302173847/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/abhinandan-varthaman-says-went-through-mental-harassment-in-pakistan-report-2001733|archive-date=2 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||