No consular access for Kulbhushan Jadhav, Pak tells ICJ

Pakistan on Wednesday rejected India’s plea for consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav at the ICJ, claiming that New Delhi wants the access to get the information gathered by its ‘spy’.

Media reports form Pakistan suggest that Pakistan in its reply has alleged Jadhav is not an ordinary person and had entered the country with the intent of spying and carrying out sabotage activities. The reply, which was submitted by the Foreign Office’s Director (India), Fariha Bugti, also claimed that Jadhav case does not fall under the purview of the Vienna Convention.

Even though Islamabad has allowed Jadhav’s mother and wife to meet him in jail alongwith an Indian diplomat, Pakistani response claimed that Jadhav was not entitled to consular access.

The counter-memorial said the consular access under the Vienna Convention was reserved only for legitimate visitors and not for spies.

Reports said the reply also encompasses the charge-sheet filed against Jadhav, which also includes his confession.

Pakistan has stated that “the Indians have not denied that Jadhav was travelling on a passport with an assumed Muslim name.”

“Lack of explanation on how a serving naval commander was operating under secondment to Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and also was travelling under an assumed …read more