Kulbhushan Jadhav case: Islamabad HC assures fair trial, hearing adjourned till January 14

Hearing Kulbhushan Jhav case on Tuesday, a three-judge bench of  Islamab High Court me it clear that it is court's responsibility to ensure a fair trial. bench comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Aamer Farooq, and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb assured Shahnawaz on-  counsel of Indian High Commission in Islamab that verdict of ICJ shall be implemented. When Islamab HC Chief Justice inquired from him about India's stance on appointing a counsel for Jhav, latter responded that Ministry of External Affairs is holding meetings on issue in Delhi. 

During hearing, Pakistan's Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan reiterated that Imran Khan-led government is willing to offer consular access to Jhav for third time. On request of on, Islamab HC journed hearing of matter till January 14, 2021. India has consistently raised 4 objections- concerns about  International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020, lack of meaningful consular access to Kulbhushan Jhav, t allowing Queen's Counsel to represent Jhav and that appearing before a Pakistani court would compromise its sovereign integrity. 

Re: Iran's Most-wanted Terrorist & Former Pak Army Conspirator Killed; H Abducted Kulbhushan

ICJ verdict

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 judgment dated July 17, 2019, ICJ stayed Jhav's death sentence until review and reconsideration of his sentence and conviction are completed. Furrmore, ICJ directed Pakistan to allow India consular access to Jhav. Subsequently, Pakistan promulgated  International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020 permitting review of a military court's decision at Islamab HC.

Re: Amid 'sanctions' Threat, Pakistan Parl Panel Clears Bill To Facilitate Kulbhushan's Appeal

Farcical consular access for second time

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. 

Re: India Says Pak Must dress Core Issues In Kulbhushan Jhav Case