India wants chargesheet, verdict copies

PAK UNMOVED Says Jadhav trial was fair, denies Delhi access

India on Friday sought copies of the chargesheet and judgment by a Pakistan military court against Kulbhushan Jadhav, the former Indian Navy personnel who was sentenced to death for spying.

Indian envoy Gautam Bambawale made the demands during his meeting with Pakistan foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua. “India conveyed to Pakistan today that we will appeal the order and are studying Pakistan Army Act,” the ministry of external affairs tweeted.

In a related development, the Lahore High Court Bar Association said on Friday that it will take action against any lawyer who extends services to Kulbhushan Jadhav. “The bar association has unanimously decided to cancel the membership of any lawyer who offers his services to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav,” Lahore High Court Bar Association Secretary-General Amer Saeed Raan said after a meeting of the bar on Friday.

India renewed its demand for consular access to Jadhav but Pakistan refused on grounds that it was a case of espionage, contrary to the Indian high commission’s claim that the same must be granted under international law.

Jadhav was arrested in March last year “for involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against Pakistan” according to a statement released by the Pakistan armed forces.

Meanwhile, foreign affairs adviser to Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif spoke to reporters on the issue. “Why would an innocent person possess two passports, one with a Hindu name and the other with a Muslim name,” asked Sartaz Aziz, warning India to stop issuing “rhetorical statements” against Islamabad. He said Indian statements could lead to diplomatic tensions. “We should respect each others’ sovereignty,” Aziz added.

Aziz also trashed India’s claim that Jadhav was captured in Iran.