New Delhi: Indian Envoy to Pakistan Gautam Bambawale on Friday met Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua pressing for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death for alleged involvement in “spying” and “subversive activities”.
This was India’s 14th attempt at gaining consular access for Jadhav. But to no avail.
“Pakistan should tell us what are the charges against Kulbhushan. we should be given the chargesheet. According to international law, we should be allowed to meet Kulbhushan, we should be given consular access. Kulbhushan was not involved in activities against Pakistan,” said Gautam Bambawale.
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“Kulbhushan Jadhav is a kidnapped innocent Indian. We do not know his location or condition as Pakistan is refusing to share details with us,” said MEA spokesperson, Gopal Baglay.
Alleged Indian ‘spy’ Kulbhushan Jadhav has been awarded death sentence by a Pakistani military court on charges of alleged “espionage and sabotage” activities. (File photo)
The Pakistan Foreign Secretary said since this is a “case of espionage consular access can’t be granted”.
Why would an innocent person possess 2 passports,one with Hindu&other a Muslim name?:Sartaz Aziz,Adviser to Pak PM on Foreign Affrs #Jadhav pic.twitter.com/5Yrdxuozhr
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 14, 2017
“Kulbhushan Jadhav funded terrorist elements. He abetted attacks against Pakistan armed forces. The legal process went on for one year…transparency was ensured in the case,” said Sartaz Aziz, Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Advisor.
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“We condemn India’s baseless allegation. India did not allow access to Pakistan prisoners for many years. We request India to refrain from making such statements that will further damage
relations between the two countries,” said Aziz.
If #KulbhushanJadhav had a valid Indian passport, then how can he be a spy?: VK Singh,MoS MEA pic.twitter.com/6ep729fDH1
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 14, 2017
India conveyed to Pakistan that it will appeal the order against Jadhav and is studying the Pakistan Army Act.
“All political parties are unanimous that Kulbhushan should be given death sentence. All legal processes were followed in this case,” said Aziz.
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