Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Hails ICJ Ruling On Jadhav
Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday appreciated the ICJ's decision "not to acquit, release and return" Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav. But notably, Khan did not term the court ruling a victory for Pakistan, something that the media and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi have claimed.
Imran Khan's statement came a day after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its verdict and ruled that Jadhav be "allowed consular access immediately" and asked Pakistan to ensure "effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentence".
On Twitter Imran Khan posted: "(I) appreciate ICJ's decision not to acquit, release and return Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav to India. He is guilty of crimes against the people of Pakistan. Pakistan shall proceed further as per law."
Foreign Minister Qureshi claimed the ICJ ruling on Jadhav was a "victory for Pakistan" as the top UN court did not ask for his release.
"Commander Jadhav shall remain in Pakistan. He shall be treated in accordance with the laws of Pakistan," Qureshi tweeted.
The Foreign Office said the fact that the ICJ did not ask Pakistan to release or acquit Jadhav meant that the UN court had "not accepted India's plea" for his release. (IANS)