The father of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan, on Thursday said he was proud of his son’s bravery and thanked the people for their support and good wishes.

In a statement, Abhinandan’s father S. Varthaman, who was an air marshal, referred to a purported video of his son after his capture, and said he spoke like a “true soldier” despite being in captivity and that he was praying Abhinandan would not be tortured.

“Thank you my friends for your concern and wishes. I thank God for his blessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely... a true soldier... we are so proud of him,” S. Varthaman said.

“I am sure all your hands and blessings are on his head... prayers for his safe return. I pray that he does not get tortured and comes home safe and sound in body and mind,” added S. Varthaman, whose father too was an air warrior.

In the evening, Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released on Friday as a “gesture of peace”.

S. Varthaman thanked the people for being with the family in the hour of need. “We draw our strengths from your support and energy.”