A day after Pakistan asked India to conduct more “active diplomacy” regarding the case of arrested former Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, officials stated that the next step could include the process of appeal and mercy petitions by his family.
High level officials dealing with the case indicated that the logical next step would be for the Jadhav family to reach out to the Pakistani authorities and lodge a petition against the death sentence delivered by a military court of Pakistan. Officials said that under the circumstances, the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi could play a facilitating role. The mercy petition is “one option, among several,” said a diplomatic source.
The discussion on the appeal and mercy petitions was held in the backdrop of Pakistan’s silence over India’s 14th request for consular access to Mr. Jadhav made by High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale on Friday. The Indian envoy also sought the charge sheet and a copy of the judgement at his meeting with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua.
Sources hinted that India would follow up with the options of appeal and mercy petitions only after Pakistan gives an official response to Mr Bambawale’s requests.
In the meanwhile, bilateral official engagement between India and Pakistan took a hit with reports confirming that India has cancelled the meeting between the coastal security agencies which was to be held on 17 April. “Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency high level meeting scheduled on 17 April stands cancelled,” a coast guard source told the media on Saturday.
On Friday, Pakistan Prime Minister’s adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had said Mr Jadhav was free to appeal within 40 days to an Appellate Court. He had also pointed out that Mr Jadhav would also have the option of appealing to the Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan within 60 days. of the decision by the appellate court.
“He may lodge a mercy petition to the president of Pakistan within 90 days after the decision of COAS on the mercy petition,” said Mr Aziz explaining the ultimate option available to him.
