Pakistan has argued that Kulbhushan Jadhav was a spy and it submitted evidence, including a video of his alleged confession and a list of 13 Indian officials whom he named as his “handlers”. Fawad Ahmed Chaudhry, Pakistan’s minister of information and broadcasting, told THE WEEK that the military court sentenced Jadhav to death after a “full and fair mechanism”.
Excerpts from an interview:
What is Pakistan’s stand on the case?
It is well defined. This is a legal issue. He [Jadhav] was arrested in Pakistan and due legal process has been followed. He was given full rights under the legal process.
India has argued that the lack of consular access is a violation of the Vienna Convention.
Arguments are advancing. I do not want to dilute the stand because the issue is sub judice.
Sartaj Aziz, as adviser to the prime minister on foreign affairs, had first denied that Jadhav was a spy. Then he said credible evidence would be provided.
That a serving Indian military officer was involved in terrorist [activity] in Pakistan has been proven. His presence in Pakistan and his involvement itself is evidence. What more evidence is needed? The issue is still being heard at the International Court of Justice. I would not like to dilute the matter. He was caught here and with evidence.
There is a view that Pakistan’s stand on the Avena judgement of the ICJ, which India has used for building its case, has been a self goal.
The issue is sub judice. I would not like to offer a comment at the moment.
What is the outcome that Pakistan is hoping for?
Pakistan arrested Kulbhushan Jadhav with evidence. His involvement has been proven in a Pakistani court. Pakistan’s legal process is up to international standards. The verdict has come after a full and fair mechanism. Pakistan is a sovereign state and a member of the international community. We have followed all processes, and as a sovereign nation, we would like our [decision] to be respected.
But you would, however, respect the ICJ’s verdict.
Of course. Pakistan is a member of the international comity of nations, as is India.