Following Pakistani PM Imran Khan’s declaration to release Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman as a gesture of peace, a Pakistani citizen on Friday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court to stop it. 

India Today

According to News18, the petitioner was of the opinion that Wing Commander Varthaman had committed crimes against Pakistan and must be tried there. 

India Today

However, his petition has been denied by the Islamabad High Court. 

Varthaman had earlier been captured by the Pakistani army following a fierce engagement between the air forces of both sides along the LoC. 

News18

The Pakistani government on Thursday had decided to release him in order to open negotiations after a terror attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed had left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Hindustan Times

Wing Commander Varthaman is likely to be handed over to Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Friday afternoon.