MEA repudiates Pakistan claim of reaching out for appointing Kulbhushan Jadhav's lawyer

On Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs rejected Pakistan's claim that it h reached out to India for appointing a lawyer for Kulbhushan Jhav. This development comes even as  Islamab High Court ordered on August 3 that Indian authorities h a right to select Jhav's legal representative. Revealing that communication h been received from neighbouring country, MEA official spokesperson Anurag Srivastava mentioned that basic issues were yet to be dressed. For instance, he urged Pakistan to make available relevant documents and provide unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jhav. 

MEA spokesperson remarked, "We haven't received any communication from government of Pakistan in this regard. Pakistan needs to dress basic issues which pertain to an effective review in fulfillment in implementation of ICJ judgment. se basic issues pertain to making relevant documents available to us as well as providing unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Kulbhushan Jhav."

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Islamab High Court order

Islamab High Court's order came in wake of  'International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020' being tabled in Pakistan's Lower House of Parliament. Permitting  review of a military court's decision at Islamab High Court, this ordinance was promulgated following verdict of International Court of Justice in Jhav case.  In its verdict dated July 17, 2019, ICJ asked Pakistan to effectively review and reconsider Jhav's sentence and conviction. 

At same time, Islamab High Court clarified that lawyer should only be a Pakistani national, who is entitled to practise in country. Speaking to media, Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan ded that so far, option h been given regarding Indian lawyers assisting Pakistani legal team. According to court, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was directed to formally offer India chance to appoint a legal representative for Jhav. 

India lodges protest against farcical consular access

On July 16, Pakistan once again failed to fulfill its obligations pertaining to ICJ verdict by t providing unimpeded, unhindered, and unconditional access to Jhav. MEA stated that Pakistani officials with an intimidating demeaur were present in close proximity to Jhav and consular officers.  ting that retired Naval officer was under stress, MEA elaborated that arrangements did t permit a free conversation. After lodging a protest on farcical consular access provided by Pakistan, Indian consular officers left venue. 

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