Pakistan to Release Abhinandan Varthaman, Twitter Erupts With Joy

#WelcomeBackAbhinandan trends on Twitter as netizens celebrate.

On 28 February, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Pakistan will release IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday, 29 February, as a “peace gesture”.

Khan made the announcement while addressing Pakistan’s Parliament. The news was also confirmed by the Pakistani government on Twitter.

Pakistan will release Indian Pilot Abhinandan tomorrow as a gesture of peace: Prime Minister Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/6aUN4S9JVb

— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) February 28, 2019

As soon as the announcement was made, Twitter erupted with joy. Hashtag #WelcomeBackAbhinandan began trending on Twitter in no time.

Check out the reactions!

‘Welcome Back Hero!’: Netizens Celebrate Announcement

Wing Commander Abhinandan will be home tomorrow. Thank Goodness https://t.co/ZB04Mi5gZn

— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) February 28, 2019

Eagerly awaiting our braveheart IAF pilot Abhinandan’s speedy release from Pakistan! May better sense prevail in Pakistan so that they do what is morally right! Have courage young man - the whole nation is with you & praying for you!🙏 🇧🇴Jai Hind! 🇧🇴

— Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) February 28, 2019

Great News- @ImranKhanPTI says the Indian Pilot #AbhiNandan will be released tomorrow as a “goodwill gesture” 🙏

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 28, 2019

🇮🇳💪😇...Indian IAF Fighter Pilot #Abhinandan held captive comes back home tom. 🙏 for India’s firm stand and international glare.

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) February 28, 2019

The Lion roars.#WelcomeBackAbhinandan

— Major Gaurav Arya (Retd) (@majorgauravarya) February 28, 2019

I happened to see a family photo of #Abhinandan last night and it broke my heart. So very pleased he will return to his family soon.

— Mirza Waheed (@MirzaWaheed) February 28, 2019

Wing Cmdr Abhinandan’s coming home is the best news we have had in days. Right step forward. This should help in de escalation of the crisis.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 28, 2019

Great news : wing cmdr Abhinandan to be released tomorrow

— pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) February 28, 2019

Happy to know that our prayers have been answered and Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be returning back safely. I salute his courage and indomitable spirit.

🇮🇳Jai Hind 🇮🇳#MeraJawanSabseMajboot#AbhinandanMyHero#WelcomeBackAbhinandan

— Niranjan Patnaik (@NPatnaikOdisha) February 28, 2019

The Lion roars. Wing Commander Abhinandan will be released tomorrow.#WelcomeBackAbhinandan

— Gaurav Kumar (@itsgauravkr) February 28, 2019

Our lion is coming back tomorrow😘 yeah congrats india for soo much pressure on pak. Jai Jind Jai bharat🇮🇳😍 🇮🇳#AbhinandanMyHero

— Apaar Agarwal (@ApaarAgarwal5) February 28, 2019

Breaking @ImranKhanPTI just announces IN Pakistan parliament that #WingCommandarAbhinandan will be released tomorrow. Big big news

— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) February 28, 2019

‘We Will Remember This Gesture,’ Say Tweeple

Huge respect for Pakistan PM Imran Khan for 1 day. #AbhinandanMyHero #WelcomeBackAbhinandan

— Godman Chikna (@Madan_Chikna) February 28, 2019

It is a victory for all peace loving Individuals in India & Pakistan .

We will remember this gesture @ImranKhanPTI .

We also expect you will take a tough stand on terror outfits targeting India .#AbhinandanMyHero the nation is eagerly waiting for you !

🇮🇳 ✌🏻 🇵🇰

— Pankhuri Pathak پنکھڑی (@pankhuripathak) February 28, 2019

Huge respect for this man @ImranKhanPTI , a big thank you for returning #Abhinanadan tomorrow and truly setting an example that we all want peace. 🙏

— meera chopra (@MeerraChopra) February 28, 2019

Not many will like this but @ImranKhanPTI knows how to steal the headlines.

— Harinder Baweja (@shammybaweja) February 28, 2019

PM Imran Khan has announced to release the arrested Indian pilot #Abhinandan tomorrow as a gesture of peace and goodwill. Both the countries should #LetBetterSensePrevail and start de-escalation of the tensed situation between Pakistan and India.

— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) February 28, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a security review meet at 6:30 pm, according to reports.