India asks Pak to implement ICJ verdict on Jadhav immediately; Imran says shall proceed as per law

Maintaining that ICJ verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav is a complete vindication of its stand, India Thursday sought from Islamabad immediate consular access to its national as Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan contended that his government shall proceed in the matter as per law.

Making a statement in both Houses of Parliament, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also asserted that the government will "vigorously continue" its efforts to ensure Jhadav's safety and wellbeing, as well as his early return to India.

Rubbishing Pakistan's claim of a victory in the case, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Islamabad has its "own compulsions to lie" to its people.

Jadhav, 49, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" in April 2017 following which India had moved the ICJ, seeking a stay on his death sentence and further remedies.

A 16-member bench headed by President of the Court, Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, by 15-1 votes ordered Pakistan on Wednesday to undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

"Pakistan has been asked to provide consular access to Jadhav and they have to do it," Kumar said.

Reacting for the first time to the verdict, Khan tweeted, "appreciate ICJ's decision not to acquit, release and return Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav to India. He is guilty of crimes against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan shall proceed further as per law."
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also tweeted, "Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan" while claiming that "this is a victory for Pakistan."
Responding sharply, Kumar said, "frankly, it seems to me they (Pakistan) are reading from a completely different verdict. The main verdict is of 42 pages. If there is no patience to go through 42 pages, they should go through the press release, where each and every point is in favour of India."
Noting that Pakistan was found to have deprived India of the right to communicate with Jadhav, have access to him, visit him in detention and arrange his legal representation, Jaishankar said, "Kulbhushan Jadhav is innocent of the charges made against him. His forced confession without legal representation and due process will not change this reality."