Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday evening that the pilot would be released as a peace gesture. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: After India demanded that captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman be released without any condition, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the pilot would be released as a peace gesture on Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, India had strongly reacted to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureishi’s statement to Geo TV that the Indian pilot would be released only if India agreed to de-escalate tension on the border.

Read: No deal, rules India on pilot; Pakistan FM says release if de-escalation

Ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side has been consistent since Tuesday. Thursday saw two bouts – in the morning and afternoon – of shelling.

Pakistan must first take concrete and specific anti-terror steps, government sources said Thursday when asked about talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Imran has to walk the talk on investigating the Pulwama attack,” sources told PTI.

“Why did Pak PM say two Indian jets were downed? Was he not briefed or did he say an untruth,” govt sources told PTI.

Pakistan Air Force specifically targeted Indian military facilities while we targeted only JeM terror camp, the sources said.

Read: A true soldier, look how bravely he spoke: IAF pilot Abhinandan’s father

The sources added that India was waiting for immediate, credible and verifiable action against terrorists and their proxies.