Pakistan will today (FRI) release an Indian airman shot down over Kashmir in what Imran Khan said was a peace gesture to ease tensions in an escalating military crisis with India.

The promise to release Wg Cdr Abhinanda Varthaman followed two days of air strikes and clashes which had raised fears the nuclear-armed neighbours were on the brink of war.

India on Thursday said it welcomed the return of its officer, but said its troops would remain on high alert as the adversaries traded fire across their disputed frontier in Kashmir.

"We have captured a pilot of India. As a gesture of peace we are going to release him to India tomorrow," Mr Khan told the country's parliament. “But this de-escalation effort should not be considered as weakness."

India had demanded the immediate safe return of Wg Cdr Varthaman after his MiG-21 was shot down, and protested Pakistan's release of video showing his captivity.