Jadhav appeal in civilian court: Pak army denies move

Islamabad, Nov 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Pakistani military has scotched reports that Pakistan is to amend the Army Act to allow Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav the right to file an appeal in a civilian court.

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor in a tweet termed the news as "incorrect".

"Speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect. Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time," he tweeted.

Earlier, Pakistan's ARY News, quoting "well placed sources", said the move to amend the Army Act was being undertaken by Pakistan "in compliance with the International Court of Justice's condition" to allow Kulbhushan to file an appeal in a civilian court.

Kulbhushan's case is being tried in military courts and the Army Act forbids such individuals or groups from filing an appeal or seeking justice from a civilian court.

However, a special amendment is being carried out in the Army Act for the Indian national, ARY said.

On July 17, the ICJ ordered Pakistan to grant consular access to Jadhav and also continued stay on his execution, as well as "effective" review of the death sentence.

On September 2, Pakistan allowed Indian charg? d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia to meet Jadhav at a Pakistani sub jail, after Islamabad granted him consular access in line with the ICJ direction.

India has said it will keep trying to see that the ICJ judgement which was in India's favour, is fully implemented.

Pakistan has not allowed a second consular meeting with Jadhav.

Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. India approached the ICJ against the death sentence and also denial of consular access to him.

Source: IANS