ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court ordered the government of Pakistan to once again offer India and Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to appoint a legal counsel.
A two-member special bench comprising IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition to appoint a lawyer for Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.
Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan appeared before the court on behalf of the government. He stated that Jadhav confessed to his links with RAW, and his involvement in espionage and terror activities in Pakistan.
The Attorney General informed that in 2017 India approached the International Court of Justice and claimed that Jadhav was denied consular access. “India accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention and denying consular access to Jadhav,” he added.
On Court’s inquiry, the AGP informed that Pakistan has never violated international law and an ordinance has been issued in compliance with the ICJ’s ruling. “If the accused cannot find a lawyer for himself, the court provides a lawyer for him to protect his rights,” he added.
In this regard, Justice Minallah said, “Now that the matter is before the IHC, why not give India and Jadhav another chance to appoint a lawyer for the arrested Indian commander.”
The court ordered the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approach the Indian authorities and Jhadhav himself to make them a part of the hearing.
Responding to the order, the Attorney General said that the government was ready to make the offer again, and will contact India through the Foreign Office. The court adjourned the hearing till September 3, 2020.
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