'Insufficient evidence' on 'Indian spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav, says Pakistan PM's advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz

Islamabad: Pakistan government was presented with only "insufficient evidence" on alleged 'Indian spy' Kulbhushan Jadhav who is under detention, as per Pak PM's advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Addressing a full Senate chamber, Aziz admitted that the dossier on Jadhav contained mere statements.

"It did not have any conclusive evidence," he was quoted as saying by Geo TV.

"What the dossier contained was not enough. Now it is up to the concerned authorities how long they take to give us more matter on the agent," Aziz said.

However, later, Pakistan released a statement saying that statement attributed to Aziz on alleged 'Indian spy' was 'absolutely incorrect'.

"There is irrefutable proof against Kulbhushan Yadav who had also made a public confession in March this year, Pakistan's statement said, as per ANI.

Jadhav, who was reportedly arrested in Balochistan after he entered from Iran, has been accused by Pakistan of planning "subversive activities" in the country.

Pakistan Army had also released a "confessional video" of Jadhav, who said he was the serving Indian Navy officer.

India has acknowledged Jadhav as a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied the allegation that he was in any way connected to the government. 

In March this year, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the External Affairs Ministry had been asked to extend all possible help to Jadhav.

"We do agree, to the extent I know, that he is an Indian citizen and we have asked for consular access," Parrikar had said.

Giving details, the Minister had said that he had "indicated" to the MEA that Jadhav was an ex-officer and should be given all assistance and support required.

It is said that he often carried cargo to and from Iranian ports bordering Pakistan and has nothing to do with India's external intelligence agency, RAW.

PTI had quoted sources saying at that time that there was no proof that Jadhav, who owns a cargo business in Iran, was arrested in Balochistan.

Jadhav could have been arrested after he strayed into Pakistani waters and was being wrongly charged, sources had said.

(With Agency inputs)