Amid the growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government will release captured Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, tomorrow as a 'gesture of peace'.

© Reuters

Varthaman was kept in the custody of the Pakistan Army since Wednesday, after his aircraft crashed on the other side of the Line of Control, during combat between Indian and Pakistani fighter planes. 

"We have an Indian pilot. As a peace gesture, we will release him tomorrow," Khan said in his address to the joint session of Pakistan Parliament.   

© Twitter

During his speech he also said, "Yesterday I tried to call (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi to say that we don't want escalation. Our push for de-escalation doesn't mean we are afraid." 

Even since the announcement was made, Twitter is being flooded with thank you messages for Imran Khan. 

@ImranKhanPTI you have again demonstrated  a player attitude. Great job sir Ji. You will remain as hero.

— Netaji (@AritraAmi) February 28, 2019

@ImranKhanPTI  Huge Respect Sir!! #SayNoToWar pic.twitter.com/AeLMgh3I5z

— Kavitha Gajendran (@kavithazahir) February 28, 2019

A gesture of peace, @ImranKhanPTI and a moral one. Well done https://t.co/YJbQW98gEg

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) February 28, 2019

Great News- @ImranKhanPTI says the Indian Pilot #AbhiNandan will be released tomorrow as a “goodwill gesture” ð

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) February 28, 2019

Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan after an engagement with Indian forces on February 27, will be released by Islamabad on March 1, Prime Minister Imran Khan has confirmed. Welcom home brother we are waiting #Abhinandan pic.twitter.com/KGcJViGkv5

— Romil Squad  (David Osehal) (@DavidOsehal) February 28, 2019

#SaluteOurForces

Pakistan PM Imran Khan finally announces the release of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by tomorrow. Pakistan finally listens to the voice of millions of Indians.What a great news! #WelcomeBackAbhinandan!#AbhinandanVartaman pic.twitter.com/RyIWLbzjje

— Monu Singh (@smonu5820) February 28, 2019

Gesture shown by #pakistan is welcomed. #SayNoToWar @ImranKhanPTI  #SayNoToTerrorism

— prasad (@iamprasad007) February 28, 2019

Not just India, but people from Pakistan too are reacting to their PM's peace gesture and thanking him for releasing Varthaman. 

@ImranKhanPTI We warmly welcome to your decision. pic.twitter.com/ZyeVgLyjKC

— Shafin Baig شاÙÛÙ (@shafinbaigINC) February 28, 2019

Love u @ImranKhanPTI #پاک_ÙÙج_ÙÙ_ÛÙ pic.twitter.com/D4TIcs0mq2

— Wisal Khan (@wisalbcn) February 28, 2019

Impressive speech by
PM @ImranKhanPTI good peace gesture to return indian piolet #pakistanstandforpeace

— Jawad  butt (@Jawadsh12376337) February 28, 2019

and that by no means is One Country's victory over the other. It is a peace gesture.
Great step indeed
long live humanity

— Yasir Bhat (@YasirBashir86) February 28, 2019

Our Hero is Tippu Sultan. @ImranKhanPTI You're a great Leader. #SayNoToWar

— Affaf Inayat (@InayatAffaf) February 28, 2019

And yes our PM @ImranKhanPTI released Indian pilot.applause https://t.co/MlrwR4agGT

— Quratulain (@Quratul78156808) February 28, 2019

#WelcomeBackAbhinandan  @ImranKhanPTI Comes up with good decision on releasing abinadan on peace gesture and also ready to support pulwama attack investigation if india shows evidence @narendramodi Consider pak peace gesture and start peace negotiation to short out issues..

— sheik abdullah (@sheik_king) February 28, 2019

Huge respect for this man @ImranKhanPTI And yes thats us we want peace ð®ð³ðµð° #SayNoToWaar pic.twitter.com/D5xvc2JQX1

— Shahrukhmagsi (@Shahrukhmagsi5) February 28, 2019

These reactions and the hashtag #SayNoToWar that people have flooded the social media with, proves that people in both countries stand united for peace and are against war and the common enemy- terrorism.