ISLAMABAD: After the rising demand of India to return the captured Indian Air Force pilot , Pakistan got ready to release him .

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told a leading Pakistani television channel Geo TV on Thursday. He said, ''Pakistan is willing to consider returning the captured IAF pilot if it leads to de-escalation of tensions with India.”

The remark of the FM  came a day after Pakistan detained Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was hit.

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On being asked if he is open to meeting his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj on sidelines of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet, Qureshi said he will not hesitate to meet but OIC is not the right forum for talks with Swaraj.

Qureshi further said if India gives priority to peace, Pakistan is ready for peace. He said., "Prime Minister Imran Khan is ready to talk to Indian PM Narendra Modi on the telephone and ready to extend an invitation of peace. Is PM Modi ready?" he asked.

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The Foreign Minister said that they are ready for every eventuality. If India give priority to peac then Pakistan is ready for peace.