On Thursday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that his government will release captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, Abhinandan Varthaman today as a 'gesture of peace'. Since then, the nation's happiness and excitement knew no bounds as people from across the country geared up, like one big family, to welcome their hero. 

© Facebook

Reportedly, the convoy of vehicles carrying Varthaman reached the Attari Wagah Border late afternoon, from where he was handed over to India moments ago as he crossed the LoC. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was kept in the custody of the Pakistan Army since Wednesday, after his aircraft crashed on the other side of the LoC, during aerial combat between Indian and Pakistani fighter planes. 

© Twitter

When the news of Varthaman's captivity made headlines, the nation had only one prayer on their lips, 'Bring Back Abhinandan'. Furthermore, the hashtags #SayNoToWar and the happiness in both the countries over the release of Varthaman, prove that both people across the border stand united for peace and against war.  

Pakistan: Visuals from Wagah in Lahore; IAF Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman will soon be handed over to the Indian Air Force at Attari-Wagah border pic.twitter.com/xEPghVgNzi

— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2019

In fact, earlier today, in a truly heartwarming gesture, Varthaman's parents were given a standing ovation by the passengers as they deboarded the flight in Delhi. 

While expressing his gratitude to Varthaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said every Indian is proud of him. 

Now that the nation's hero is back, people can't stop rejoicing and the insane crowd at Wagah Border cheering for him and his return reiterates the same.

 

Bravest of brave Wing Commander Abhinandan return backs to India ð®ð³ pic.twitter.com/vHqjLaVy8W

— Shubhi (@shubh_i_am_87) March 1, 2019

 

Welcome back Abhinandan sir the entire nation is proud of your selflessness and bravery ! We salute you ðð Jai Hind!ð®ð³ð®ð³#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/cMOm69uf7p

— Ritesh Pandeyð  (@RiteshPandeys) March 1, 2019

Finally pahunch gaye.
Jai Hind.ð®ð³
ð
#Abhinandan #AbhinandanVarthaman #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/0SPfT2uO6D

— Goutam Kunal (@goutamkunal) March 1, 2019

Welcoming home a true fighter, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) March 1, 2019

Welcome back #Abhinandan ...a true war hero!

And pathetic propaganda attempts by Pakistan - again. They keep doing it, and some people in India, and indeed around the world, keep falling for it :(

Hope folks in India and other countries get a little wiser after this episode.

— Amit Paranjape (@aparanjape) March 1, 2019

#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan
Salute To Abhinandan And Welcome To India pic.twitter.com/bHb1anMFm6

— Technical Hindustani (@TecHindustani) March 1, 2019