Pakistan, India claim victory as ICJ delivers Kulbhushan case verdict

THE HAGUE: Officials in Pakistan and India claimed major diplomatic and legal victory on Wednesday as the International Court of Justice announced its much-awaited verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case.

The verdict which was read out at a public sitting of the United Nations court, was 15 to one in favour of India.

The Hague-based UN court said that Jadhav’s death sentence should remain suspended until Pakistan effectively reviews and reconsiders the conviction/sentence in light of Pakistan’s breach of Art 36(1) i.e. denial of consular access and notification.

The court, however, rejected most of the remedies sought by India, including annulment of military court decision convicting Jadhav, his release and safe passage to India.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi termed the ICJ verdict a victory for Pakistan.

“Commander Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. This is a victory for Pakistan,” Qureshi tweeted.

In India, PM Narendra Modi led the celebrations, saying truth and justice have prevailed.

“We welcome today’s verdict in the @CIJ_ICJ. Truth and justice have prevailed. Congratulations to the ICJ for a verdict based on extensive study of facts. I am sure Kulbhushan Jadhav will get justice. Our Government will always work for the safety and welfare of every Indian,” Modi tweeted.

Kulbhushan Jadhav is an Indian spy who was sentenced to death in 2017 by a Pakistani military court on charges of terrorism and spying.

He was arrested in 2016 after entering Pakistan from Iran on forged travel documents.

India denied allegations that Kulbhushan Jadhav was a spy, saying he was a businessman working on Iran’s Chahbahar port.