In less than a week, India has approached the Pakistani Government again with a fresh appeal for consular access to ex-Indian Navy official Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is currently in Pakistan Army’s custody. This is India’s 15th request for consular access which has not got a favourable response from Pakistan.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs summoned Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner Haider Shah and handed him over a note verbale demanding consular access to Jadhav. India cited the clauses under Vienna Convention on Consular Matters and reminded that being a signatory to the Vienna Convention, Pakistan is also bound by international norms.
In Islamabad, Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale was to meet Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmima Janjua to pursue India’s demands. However, this meeting was postponed for Thursday.
Jadhav is facing a death sentence following a summary trial by Pakistan Army’s Field General Court Martial (FGCM). India last week made a request to Pakistan Foreign Office to allow Indian diplomats positioned in its Embassy in Islamabad to meet Jadhav. While the Pakistani Foreign Office has not communicated anything to India so far, its Army spokesperson made a statement recently that Jadhav is not eligible for consular access.
India has also sought certified copies of proceedings of Court of Inquiry, summary of evidence and medical report of Jadhav. India has also asked Pakistan for assistance with a lawyer to defend Jadhav in the appeal court after lahore High Court’s Bar Association warned its lawyer against defending Jadhav. In addition, India has also sought visas for Jadhav’s family members to visit Pakistan for the legal process.
India has been constantly pursuing for a consular access to Jadhav, which it feels is the first step towards justice. India believes that Jadhav has not been given a fair trial and in the absence of an opportunity to defend himself without proper lawyer the entire process of justice will be farce in his case.