Kulbhushan Jadhav has turned down Pakistan's offer to file a review petition at the Islamabad High Court against his conviction and subsequent death sentence, government officials said on Wednesday.
"Jadhav has instead decided to apply for a mercy petition," said Additional Attorney General (AAG) Ahmed Irfan while addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Dawn reported. The AAG was flanked by DG (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry.
The serving Indian navy commander, associated with India's premier spy agency RAW, Jadhav was apprehended from Balochistan on March 3, 2016 for his involvement in espionage and terrorism.
According to the officials, the government had promulgated an ordinance on May 20, allowing Indian government, Jadhav as well as his legal representative to submit a petition for review at the IHC before July 19.
They further said that the government had allowed Jadhav consular access twice and would do it again. Authorities have also offered for Jadhav to meet his father and wife. They expressed hope that the Indian government will respond to the offer in a positive manner.
On July 17, 2019, the International Court of Justice affirmed Jadhav’s right to consular access and notification but rejected Indian plea to repatriate him. The court directed Pakistan to provide effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentence. The court also upheld Pakistan’s right to try the spy, including the jurisdiction of the military court.
"Jadhav has instead decided to apply for a mercy petition," said Additional Attorney General (AAG) Ahmed Irfan while addressing a news conference in Islamabad, Dawn reported. The AAG was flanked by DG (South Asia & SAARC) Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry.
The serving Indian navy commander, associated with India's premier spy agency RAW, Jadhav was apprehended from Balochistan on March 3, 2016 for his involvement in espionage and terrorism.
According to the officials, the government had promulgated an ordinance on May 20, allowing Indian government, Jadhav as well as his legal representative to submit a petition for review at the IHC before July 19.
They further said that the government had allowed Jadhav consular access twice and would do it again. Authorities have also offered for Jadhav to meet his father and wife. They expressed hope that the Indian government will respond to the offer in a positive manner.
On July 17, 2019, the International Court of Justice affirmed Jadhav’s right to consular access and notification but rejected Indian plea to repatriate him. The court directed Pakistan to provide effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentence. The court also upheld Pakistan’s right to try the spy, including the jurisdiction of the military court.