Pakistan to release IAF pilot; Here's what does the Geneva Convention say about PoWs

The announcement by Pakistan came after India demanded the immediate and safe return of the IAF pilot who was detained by the former following an aerial engagement by air forces of the two countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today said as a gesture of peace and the "first step" to open negotiations with India, is country will release IAF's pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday.

New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan today said as a gesture of peace and the "first step" to open negotiations with India, is country will release IAF's pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Friday. This announcement came after India demanded the immediate and safe return of the IAF pilot who was detained by Pakistan following an aerial engagement by air forces of the two countries. India had also been made clear to Pakistan that no harm should be caused to the Indian defence personnel, the External Affairs Ministry said in New Delhi, adding that it has conveyed strong objection to the neighbouring country at the "vulgar display" of an injured personnel in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention. Here's all you need to know about the Geneva Convention- • The Convention's Article 4 defines a prisoner of war (POW) as a member of the armed forces of a party who falls into the hands of the adverse party during an international armed conflict and it provides a wide range of protection for them including defining their rights. • It also sets down detailed rules for their treatment and eventual release. • POWs are also protected by International Humanitarian Law. • The rules protecting POWs state that they cannot be prosecuted for taking a direct part in hostilities and that "their detention is not a form of punishment, but only aims to prevent further participation in the conflict". • They must be released and repatriated without delay after the end of hostilities. • Article 13 of the third Geneva Convention states that POWs must at all times be humanely treated and any unlawful act or omission by the detaining power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a PoW in its custody is prohibited, "and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention". • It adds that POWs must at all times be protected against acts of violence or intimidation, and against insults and public curiosity. • POWs cannot be subjected to physical or mental torture to secure information of any kind. • "The power detaining prisoners of war shall be bound to provide free of charge for their maintenance and for the medical attention required by their state of health," says the Article 15 of the Convention. • Article 17 states that every POW, when questioned on the subject, is bound to give only his surname, first names and rank, date of birth, and army, regimental, personal or serial number, or failing this, equivalent information. In the videos released by Pakistan, the IAF officer is seen following this norm. PM Khan said that Pakistan's "desire for de-escalation" should not be misconstrued as its weakness. Warning that "any miscalculation" from India would result in "disaster", he said, Countries are ruined because of miscalculation. War is not a solution. If India takes any action, we will have to retaliate." "Our armed forces are battle-hardened and they are fully prepared to respond to any aggression, he said. He further said, "Pakistan is a peace loving country" and desires peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Khan said he "tried to call" the Indian Prime Minister on the phone Wednesday because "escalation is not in our interests nor in India's". The prime minister urged the international community to play its role in de-escalation for peace and stability in the region. Pakistan detained the IAF pilot following a fierce engagement between air forces of the two sides along the Line of Control when his MiG 21 fighter jet was downed. Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) said that the Indian Air Force pilot was safe and sound.