National

Pakistan allows Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet wife, mother on Dec 25

December 8, 2017

174

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan said on Friday that it will allow convicted Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet his wife and mother on December 25.

Jadhav, 47, was sentenced to death by a military court in April on charges of espionage and terrorism. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in May had halted his execution on India’s appeal.

Jadhav has been allowed to meet his wife and mother on Dec 25, Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said during his weekly press briefing, adding that a staff member from the Indian High Commission will also be present during the meeting.

Following the announcement, India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj confirmed that Pakistan would grant visa to both mother and wife of Jadhav, adding that Pakistan assured the protection of the spy’s family

In a series of tweets, the minister said she has informed Mrs Avantika Jadhav, mother of Jadhav, about Pakistani government’s decision.

Pakistan has agreed to facilitate the visit of mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav and assured us of their safety, security and freedom of movement in Pakistan. /5

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 8, 2017

Earlier on Nov 10, Pakistan had agreed to allow his wife to meet him. India has been pressing Pakistan to grant a visa to Jadhav’s mother, Avantika, on humanitarian grounds.

Sushma Swaraj had recently discussed Jadhav’s case with Pakistani High Commissioner to New Delhi Sohail Mahmood. Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav on the ground that it was not applicable in cases related to spies.

Jadhav had filed an appeal with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to seek clemency, which is still pending. In October, the Pakistan Army had said it is close to a decision on the mercy petition of Jadhav.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested him from restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

Jadhav’s sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India. After India approached the International Court of Justice, a 10-member bench on May 18 restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case.

The ICJ has asked Pakistan to submit its response or memorial by December 13 before the court could start further proceedings in the case.