Jadhav video, for ICJ eyes only?
Move seems to send message that due process being followed in Pak
Pakistan’s release of a second “confessional” video of former Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav on Thursday, and its statement that Mr Jadhav had filed a mercy petition with the Pakistan Army Chief — both of which were dismissed by India as “farcical” — seems cleverly intended to send a message to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that due process of law is being followed in Pakistan.
Islamabad also seems eager to drive home the point to the ICJ that Mr Jadhav is a terrorist. There is also a feeling that Pakistan has timed its action ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US to remind the Americans of Pakistan’s claim that India is also engaged in subversive acts in Pakistan, and that Islamabad alone could not be blamed for terrorism.
Islamabad also seems eager to drive home the point to the ICJ that Mr Jadhav is a terrorist
India has consistently rubbished Pakistan’s claims of any involvement of either Mr Jadhav or New Delhi in carrying out any subversive act in Pakistan. Islamabad has consistently denied India consular access to Mr Jadhav, who is in Pakistani military captivity.
On May 18 2017, in a major victory for India, the ICJ at The Hague had barred Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the court pronounced its final decision in the case.
Close to midnight on Thursday, New Delhi had issued a detailed statement “in response to a query regarding the socalled confessional video of Mr Jadhav and a press release by Pakistan on the matter”, with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) saying, “The developments bring out once again the lack of transparency and farcical nature of proceedings against Mr Jadhav on concocted charges, continued violation of his legal and consular rights and an attempt to introduce prejudice in the proceedings in the International Court of Justice (ICJ).”