Retreat ceremony along Attari-Wagah border cancelled

Ahead of the arrival of Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the Border Security Force (BSF) has cancelled the daily Retreat ceremony held at the Attari-Wagah border in Punjab on Friday. The ceremony has been cancelled due to administrative requirements amid the release of IAF pilot Abhinandan.

According to BSF officials, the decision has been taken in view of "military requirements" where Abhinandan will be handed over to IAF officials by Pakistani forces.

Earlier, Abhinandan was captured by Pakistan Army on Wednesday after his jet crashed with Pakistani plane and he fell into Pakistani territory. Later on Thursday Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released on Friday.