Kulbushan case: FO rejects ‘baseless, inaccurate’ allegations by Indian counsel

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Aisha Farooqui has said that Pakistan rejects the “baseless and inaccurate” allegations by Harish Salve, India’s legal counsel in the Kulbushan Jadhav case.

On May 3, in an online lecture Harish Salve, who had represented India in the case at the International Court of Justice, alleged that Pakistan refused to respond to Indian queries about how it would carry out the ICJ’s judgment and review and reconsider Jadav’s case.

Salve also alleged that Pakistan approved consular access to Jadhav too late and refused to share details of the case with India.

FO spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, while refuting the allegations, said in a statement that Pakistan has “fully complied” with the international court’s judgment.

“Pakistan has granted India consular access to commander Jadhav and is processing measures for effective review and reconsideration as per the guidelines provided by ICJ in its judgment,” the statement said.

Aisha Farooqui also said that Salve’s statements were regrettable and misrepresentation of facts. She said Pakistan followed “all its international obligations”.

In July 2019, the International Court of Justice in its verdict had ruled that Jadhav be permitted consular access and asked Pakistan to make sure effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentences.

However, the court had turned down all other remedies sought by India. On March 3, 2016, Kulbushan Jadhav a serving commander of the Indian Navy associated with Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing — was apprehended from Balochistan on allegations of espionage and terrorism.

Jadhav was subsequently sentenced to death in 2017. the Indian authorities had filed a mercy petition against the death penalty in the International Court of Justice. Later, the ICJ had ordered a stay in his execution through an interim order.