Pak releases new video of Jadhav’s ‘confession’
Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav has appealed to Pakistan’s powerful army chief to spare his life, the neighbouring country’s military said on Thursday, more than two months after the former naval officer was sentenced to death on charges of espionage.
Jadhav, 46, filed a mercy petition before army chief General Qamar Bajwa seeking forgiveness for his actions, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
“He has requested the chief of army staff to spare his life on compassionate grounds,” it added.
The development comes weeks after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) admitted India’s plea and barred Islamabad from carrying out the sentence on Jadhav till its final order.
The ISPR claimed Jadhav has allegedly admitted to his involvement in espionage, terrorist and subversive activities in Pakistan, and expressed remorse at the loss of innocent lives and extensive damage to property due to his actions.
It also released what it said was a confessional video of J adhav, the second since his alleged arrest from restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year. India says Kulbhushan Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the navy.
If his appeal is rejected, Kulbhushan Jadhav has the option of petitioning Pakistan president. Islamabad says it will not hang Jadhav till all his legal options are exhausted.