Opinion I Why IAF pilot’s release may not immediately de-escalate tensions

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the captured Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released on Friday. He said it was a “gesture of peace” in a bid to de-escalate tension between India and Pakistan. Hindustan Times Foreign Editor Rezaul H Laskar, however, believes that the release of the pilot may not necessarily lead to an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. “We have huge unresolved issues. India has been labouring the point of terrorism. Imran Khan in his address spoke about Kashmir issue. Over the next few days we may get a better idea whether tensions will persist or there will be de-escalation,” he says. Watch the full video for more.