DG ISPR dismisses amendment to Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict in Kulbhushan case

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor has rejected speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect. In a tweet on Wednesday, he said: “Speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect.” The DG ISPR said that various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. He said that the final status shall be shared in due course of time. Jadhav was allowed to meet India Charge d’ Affaires in Pakistan Gaurav Ahluwalia, pursuant to the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ruled that under the Vienna Convention. “Consular access was provided for two hours. A day earlier, Pakistan formally granted the consular access to the Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav. Indian deputy high commissioner met RAW agent at a sub-jail in Islamabad. The Foreign Office’s officials were also present during the meeting. However, Kulbushan Jadhav was provided consular access under the law of Pakistani laws. Earlier today, India accepted Pakistan offer granting access to Indian spy Kulbushan Jadhav on Monday as Indian Charge d’Affaires in Pakistan Gaurav Ahluwalia arrived to meet Indian former Navy commander. On July 17, India had suffered a humiliating defeat in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that rejected its plea for annulment of conviction of Indian terrorist Kulbhushan Jadhav, his release and return to India  in The Hague. Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, president of the ICJ, read out the verdict that also rejected several proposals presented by Kulbhushan Jadhav. The court also asked Pakistan to give the consular access to Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav. “Pakistan and India are parties in the Vienna Convention which does not deprive a spy the consular access. However, he will remain in the custody of Pakistan,” it ruled. The judge remarked that there is no doubt Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav is an Indian citizen. “The conviction of Kulbhushan Jadhav cannot be considered the violation of Article 36 of the Vienna Convention,” it ruled. Attorney General Anwar Mansoor led the Pakistan delegation. Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal was also present. Pakistan’s counsel Khawar Qureshi said that Pakistan’s stance had won in the International Court of Justice. Attorney General Anwar Mansoor said that the dismissal of the Indian plea is the victory for Pakistan. “The ICJ has made it clear that Kulbhushan will not be released,” he said.