Islamabad HC allows India to appoint Kulbhushan Jadhav's lawyer; specifies condition

On Monday, Islamab High Court instructed Pakistan government to allow Indian authorities to appoint a lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jhav. This comes 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.

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 shall formally offer India chance to appoint a legal representative for Jhav. 

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

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: Kulbhushan Jhav Case: MEA Reiterates India's Right To Avail Of Or Remedies

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 Kulbhushan 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.