India stresses 'unimpeded' consular access to Jadhav

 India has asked Pakistan to provide "unimpeded consular access" to Kulbhushan Jadhav, in an environment "free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal", after Islamabad said it has sent a proposal to New Delhi allowing consular access to the Indian national.

"Pakistan has been asked (on Thursday) to provide unimpeded consular access to Shri Kulbhushan Jadhav, in an environment free from the fear of intimidation and reprisal, in the light of the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Their response in now awaited, " sources said.

India on Thursday said it is "evaluating" Pakistan's offer for consular access to Jadhav, amid reports that Islamabad has set some conditions on providing Indian officials access to him. There are reports that Islamabad is insisting on having their own person present during the meeting between Indian officials and Jadhav.

"I am not getting into the modalities. We have received a proposal from Pakistan, and we are evaluating it in the light of judgment of the ICJ. We will maintain communication with Pakistan through diplomatic channels," said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar on Thursday.

The Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammed Faisal, in answer to a query at a media briefing in Islamabad, said: "We have offered the Indian High Commission to avail consular access on this Friday. The reply from the Indian side is awaited." IANS