Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed happiness over the news that captured Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be released by Pakistan and said “this is wonderful news.”

“Very happy to know that our brave Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is going to be back home and be reunited with his family tomorrow. I congratulate every Indian on this wonderful news,” the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

Earlier in the day, describing Abhinandan as a “brave pilot”, Naveen had prayed for his well being and safe return. The CM had saluted the courage and valour of Indian Armed Forces.

Also Read: Odisha CM prays for safe return of captured IAF pilot

Notably, addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that the captured IAF pilot will be freed on Friday “as a peace gesture”.