MEA affirms 'diplomatic' contact with Pak demanding Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav

Affirming that India is in touch with Pakistan through 'diplomatic channels,' MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava stated that government has asked for Indian lawyers to represent Kulbhushan Jhav. Srivastava highlighted that Pakistan needs to dress core issues which includes providing all necessary documents. On August 8, Islamab High Court formed a 3-member bench to hear petition filed by Pakistan government to appoint a legal representative for Kulbhushan Jhav.

"We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with letter and spirit of ICJ judgement. We have asked that Jhav be represented by an Indian lawyer. However, it is important that Pakistan needs to dress core issues and se core issues involve providing all necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jhav," MEA Spokesperson said while dressing a press briefing on Thursday. 

RE | MEA Repudiates Pakistan Claim Of Reaching Out For Appointing Kulbhushan Jhav's Lawyer

Earlier, Islamab High Court instructed Pakistan government to allow Indian authorities to appoint a lawyer for Jhav. However, it clarified that lawyer should only be a Pakistani national, who is entitled to practise in country. While India has constantly maintained its demand of unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jhav, it has also maintained that Pakistan has t reached out to India for appointing a lawyer for Kulbhushan Jhav. 

RE | Islamab HC Allows India To Appoint Kulbhushan Jhav's Lawyer; Specifies Condition

ICJ stays death sentence

Jhav, having business dealings, in Iran was abducted by Pakistan in March 2016. After a military court awarded him a death sentence on charges of espion and terrorism in 2017, India moved ICJ. In its verdict dated July 17, 2019, ICJ asked Pakistan to effectively review and reconsider Jhav's sentence and conviction. Moreover, Jhav's death sentence was stayed until completion of this process. ditionally, ICJ directed Pakistan to allow India consular access to Jhav. However,  ditional Attorney General Ahmed Irfan claimed that Jhav h refused to file a review plea in Islamab High Court on June 17 despite being invited by Pakistani authorities to do so. 

RE | MEA Busts Pak Lie On Kulbhushan Jhav's Review Plea, Commits To Bring Him Back Safely