Islamabad, February 27: Backtracking from its earlier claim, the Pakistan Army has issued a fresh statement, saying that only one Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot is in their custody. This came hours after the Pakistani military spokesperson said they have taken two IAF pilots into custody. The claim was reiterated in the statement issued by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"There is only one pilot under Pakistan Army’s custody. Wing Comd Abhi Nandan is being treated as per norms of military ethics," said the statement issued by Major General Asif Ghafoor, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's communication wing. Opposition Parties Condemn Pakistan Misadventure & Express Deep Concern of Missing IAF Pilot.

The DG, ISPR had earlier claimed that two Indian pilots were taken into the Army's custody after they shot down to IAF fighter planes.

"In response to PAF strikes this morning as released by MoFA, IAF crossed LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircrafts inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircraft fell inside AJ&K while other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area," Major General Ghafoor had said on Twitter.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement accepting that one IAF personnel has been taken into custody by Pakistan. It has called upon Islamabad to treat the Indian defence personnel in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

"India also strongly objected to Pakistan’s vulgar display of an injured personnel of the Indian Air Force in violation of all norms of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Convention," the statement reads.

"It was made clear that Pakistan would be well advised to ensure that no harm comes to the Indian defence personnel in its custody. India also expects his immediate and safe return," it further added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2019 06:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).