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Pakistan says it will free Indian pilot as 'peace gesture'

Indian Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has become the face of the escalating conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours. [AFP]

Pakistan said Thursday it will release a captured Indian pilot in a "peace gesture", taking a step towards rapprochement as clashes between the nuclear-armed rivals ignited fears of a disastrous conflict.

The pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, has become the face of the crisis since he was shot down in a rare aerial engagement between the South Asian neighbours over the disputed region of Kashmir on Wednesday.

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