India files appeal with Pakistan seeking release of Kulbhushan Yadav

Islamabad: Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad Gautam Bambawale, Wednesday, met Pakistan Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua to officially file an appeal against the death sentence given to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav for alleged spying.

“We have filed an appeal and we want that Kulbhushan Jadhav is released at the earliest,” Bambawale told reporters after the meeting.

As per Pakistani law, an appeal had to be filed within 40 days of the sentencing. Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying on April 10. The appeal has been filed under Pak Army Act Section 133(B) - Court of Appeals.

During his meeting the Pakistan Foreign Secretary, Bambawale also demanded consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Pakistan has denied Indias request for consular access to 46-year-old Jadhav over a dozen times in the last one year.

Pakistan Army has already rejected any chance of granting consular access to Jadhav who was sentenced to death for espionage and subversive activities.

During his previous meeting with Januja - on April 14 – Bambawale had asked for the list of charges and authentic copy of verdict of military tribunal against Jadhav to launch an appeal against his conviction.

He also said that India was seeking consular access on the basis on international law humanitarian grounds.

Pakistan Foreign Office has said that during the period of the trial of Jadhav, the due judicial process was followed and he was provided with a lawyer in accordance with relevant laws and the Constitution of Pakistan.

Jadhav was awarded death sentence by the Field General Court Martial earlier this month, evoking a sharp reaction in India which warned Pakistan of consequences and damage to bilateral ties if the "pre-meditated murder" was carried out.

Pakistan claims its security forces had arrested Jadhav from the restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. It also claimed that he was "a serving officer in the Indian Navy."

The Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav after his arrest.

However, India denied Pakistans contention and maintained that Jadhav was kidnapped by the Pakistan authorities.

India had acknowledged that Jadhav had served with the navy but denied that he has any connection with the government.  

With agency in