Pak Army says 'no compromise' on Jadhav's death sentence

The Pakistan Army said Thursday there will be 'no compromise' on the issue of death sentence awarded to alleged Indian spy Kulbushan Jadhav by a military court.

The remark comes as Pakistan faces hostile backlash from India over the death penalty to Jadhav.

In a Corps Commanders' Conference presided by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, "The forum was also briefed about Kulbushan Sudhir Jadhav. It was concluded that no compromise shall be made on such anti state acts," according to an ISPR statement.

The statement said that the forum also reviewed national security environment and recent developments in the region.

"Forum reviewed progress of operation Radd-ul-Fasaad and provision of support to ongoing National Housing and Population census. COAS appreciated formations, intelligence agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies for successful execution of operations," the statement added.

Jadhav was awarded the death penalty on April 10 in an unprecedented decision that sparked a diplomatic spat between the two hostile neighbours.

Pakistan media reported yesterday that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and General Bajwa have agreed not to come under pressure from India over the issue.

During a meeting, the Army Chief took the Prime Minister into confidence regarding Jadhav.

On Tuesday, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj warned Islamabad that it risked damaging bilateral ties with New Delhi if it went ahead with the execution of Jadhav.

Jadhav was arrested in March last year in the restive Balochistan province and accused of being a Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) agent, who was fuelling the Baloch separatist movement and attempting to sabotage the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

India has, however, so far categorically denied such charges.