Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan has announced to grant consular access to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, in pursuance of the decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said, "As a responsible state, Pakistan will grant consular access to Commander Kulbushan Jadhav according to Pakistani laws, for which modalities are being worked out".
The statement added that in pursuance of the ICJ decision, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav has been informed of his rights under Article 36, Paragraph 1(b) of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
In its verdict on Wednesday, the ICJ had ruled that Jadhav be allowed consular access immediately and asked Pakistan to ensure “effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentences”.
The ICJ, however, rejected India’s petition challenging the death sentence of its spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.
Indian Navy Commander Jadhav is accused of espionage in Balochistan and terrorism. Both the charges are punishable by death under Pakistan’s the law.
The ICJ also rejected New Delhi’s plea to acquit and release self-confessed Indian spy, ruling that Jadhav be allowed consular access and asking Pakistan to ensure “effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentences”.
Jadhav, a serving commander of the Indian Navy associated with Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), was arrested on March 3, 2016, from Balochistan on allegations of espionage and terrorism. In his trial at a military court, the Indian spy had confessed to his involvement in terrorist plots.
On April 10, 2017, Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa had endorsed the death penalty for Jadhav. In June 2017, the Indian spy had filed a mercy petition against the death penalty, in which he again confessed to his involvement in terrorist activities.
On May 18, 2017, the ICJ ordered Pakistan to halt the execution of Jadhav until a final decision was made in the proceedings.