Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India hands over mother's appeal to Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale met the Pakistan foreign secretary in Islamabad on Wednesday and handed over a petition from the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav, seeking justice from the court of appeal of Pakistan's secret military court that sentenced the Indian national to death on allegations of spying.

In her appeal Jadhav's mother has requested the intervention of Pakistan government for his release and expressed her desire to meet him.

India also requested Pakistan to facilitate visas for Jadhav's parents, who wish to travel to Pakistan to meet him and to personally file the petition and the appeal. They have applied for necessary visas with the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi.

Meanwhile, Pakistan rejected the 16th request from India seeking consular access to Jadhav. India's foreign secretary had met the High Commissioner of Pakistan to India on Tuesday and made a similar request.

Jadhav was sentenced to death 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" is carried out.

In Pakistan, lawyers have been threatened not to defend Jadhav, leaving India with few options but to approach the United Nations to seek justice for the former naval officer.