Imran has behaved in a very dignified way and leaderlike doctor. No doubts about it. But there is a bit of weakness and desperation here. Sending the POW back is in every body's interest. However, in 2 days? That too right after his speech urging peace on tv? This is a victory for Indian diplomacy.
While its true Imran has played both his cards early there are certain reasons which seem good enough for both the cards to be played ( card 1 - asking peace - card 2 - release).
The following points must be noted :
1. Imran could never have made everyone happy. They are still certain people who never wanted the prisoner to be released at all. If Imran was looking for universal popularity he would never achieve it as everyone has issues at some point or the other.
2. By announcing peace while Modi announced a free hand, it is clear which nation wants war and which nation thinks its pointless and stupid to go to war.
3. Modi yesterday gave a free hand to Indian military. However, if Imran had waited for 7 days or 30 days before releasing Wing Commander Abhi, then in that duration, India might have embarked on another misadventure under the name of wiping "terror camps" or "replying to their captured prisoner".
4. By releasing him this early, he played another card by showing the world "he wants peace". Now if Modi bound India attacks Pakistan again, NO COUNTRY in the world will consider India right after "peace offer and the release of a prisoner".
5. Imran does not want WAR OR a slugging matching with India in the first place. The Indian army forced his hand by venturing into our airspace. He has many other things on his mind like education, economy and development of the country. War is the last thing he wants and you can't blame him for wanting to end it.
In light of the above, release of the prisoner early, even if seen by Indians as a weakness, in the broader international comity will be seen as a double olive branch to end the war.
Now Modi will look incredibly stupid if another "air strike happens".
Come to think of it, it is actually a masterstroke.
If Modi still attacks now, he is dead meat in elections.