Kulbhushan Yadav's presence in Pakistan unclear as consular access has been denied: Sources

Responding to the Government of Pakistan's statement in parliament that it had no intention to extradite alleged spy Kulbhushan Yadav, sources in the Indian government said the circumstances of Yadav's presence in Pakistan still remain unclear because New Delhi has not been given consular access to him despite several requests.

Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: "The government has on several occasions completely rejected the baseless allegations against Shri Kulbhushan Yadav.Circumstances of his presence in Pakistan remain unclear, particularly because we have not been provided consular access despite our repeated requests."

"We expect the Government of Pakistan to follow well established international practice in this regard and ensure his well being while he is in its custody," the sources further stated.

Earlier in the day, Adviser to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz informed the Pakistan Senate that the Nawaz Sharif government is not planning to extradite alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Addressing the Senate during the Question Hour, Aziz clarified that it had never been said that there was a lack of evidence against Jadhav.

He said an FIR had been registered against Jadhav and the process has been started to prosecute the alleged Indian spy for involvement in subversive and terrorist activities in Pakistan.

Aziz's remarks came in response to Senator Talha Mehmood's question about whether the government was planning to give the same 'red carpet' treatment to Jadhav which they gave to CIA contractor Raymond Davis.

Aziz said Pakistan has shared a dossier in this reference with the UN Secretary General's office and is considering sharing the dossier with other countries and international organisations.

Jadhav was reportedly arrested in Balochistan after he entered from Iran, and has been accused by Pakistan of planning subversive activities in the country.

The Pakistan Army had also released a confessional video of Jadhav, who purportedly said he was a serving Indian Navy officer.

India has acknowledged Jadhav as being a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government or was doing work on behalf of it.