LAHORE: The handing over of pilot Abhinandan Varthaman to India at Wagah was delayed on Friday as he was asked to record a statement on camera by Pakistani authorities before he was allowed to cross the border, according to sources.
It was not clear whether he was made to record the video under duress.
At 8.30 pm (local) time, the Pakistan Government released the pilot’s video message to the local media in which he said as to how he was captured.
“Recording of his video message caused delay in his handing over,” a source said.
In the video message, Varthaman said he entered Pakistan’s space to “find a target” but his aircraft was shot down. “The army personnel saved me from the mob. The Pakistani army is very professional and I am impressed by it,” he said, while criticising the Indian media. (AGENCIES)
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