Islamabad The Islamabad High Court on Thursday gave India a second chance to appoint an advocate for Kulbhushan while hearing the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian citizen jailed in Pakistan.
The High Court has given an opportunity to clarify its respective stand before the court in terms of facilitating India and Jadhav, which is in line with the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Islamabad High Court bench hearing the case included Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Amer Farooq and Justice Miyangul Hasan Aurangzayed. The bench gave the order, saying that a second opportunity needs to be given to clear any doubts and ensure the requirements for a fair trial.
The court said in its order, “In order to remove any doubt and to meet the requirements of a fair trial, we feel that the Government of India should be given one more opportunity, so that it can consider taking appropriate measures.” And to ensure effective compliance with the decision of the International Court of Justice. ”
“It is also important to assure Commander Jadhav that an effective review and reconsideration is an integral factor for his rights, especially the right to a fair trial and meaningful compliance with the decision of the International Court of Justice,” the bench said.
The court directed the Attorney General of Pakistan to ensure that a copy of the order is also given to the Government of India.
Pakistan’s Attorney General (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan informed the court, “Commander Jadhav has reiterated his earlier stance and preferred to pursue the amnesty measure rather than enforcing his authority under Ordinance 2020. ”
AGP Khan also said that Pakistan is still awaiting the Indian side’s response to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, while Jadhav has opted to avoid his mercy petition, which is already pending with the Pakistan Army Chief.
He said that Pakistan is continuing the process of implementing the ICJ decision, but apparently India is busy obstructing the right to review.
Khalid Javed Khan told the court that Pakistan, following the ICJ’s orders, gave India diplomatic access. He also told the court that India has not responded to Pakistan’s offer to appoint a lawyer.
Giving India another chance, the Islamabad High Court adjourned the hearing for a month. Now the court will hear on October 6.
It is noteworthy that Jadhav, a retired naval officer, is lodged in a Pakistani jail on charges of espionage and the case for the appointment of a lawyer to file a review petition against the death penalty is underway.
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