Even as India has made categorically clear that Kulbushan Jadhav is not a RAW officer, but a former Indian Naval officer doing business in Iran, leaving no opportunity to cashing in on the arrest of Jadhav, Pakistan on Friday briefed envoys of Arab countries and ASEAN member states based in Islamabad about Jadhav's purported confession about India-sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilise Pakistan.
"The Envoys of the Arab countries and ASEAN member states based in Islamabad were briefed today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the arrest of Indian Intelligence Agency, RAW's Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav and his confession about Indian sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilize Pakistan," said Nafees Zakaria, Spokesperson for the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Islamabad.
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"It was emphasised in the briefing that in order to achieve regional peace and stability, it was imperative that India immediately stops its interference in Pakistan and resolves all contentious issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the process of sustained dialogue," he stated.
In reply to a question on the latest situation on Jadhav during his weekly media briefing on Wednesday, Zakaria had said, "Investigations are still going on regarding Kulbushan Jadhav. I also told you last week that some arrests have also been made as a result of interrogation. As investigations continue more aspects related to this may come to light. A very candid press briefing was given by ISPR under the supervision of Information Minister. It is not possible for me to report on day to day progress of the investigation."
On the contrary, India has repeatedly denied that Jadhav is a RAW agent.
MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "The said individual has no link with Government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy. We have sought consular access to him. India has no interest in interfering in internal matters of any country and firmly believes that a stable and peaceful Pakistan is in the interest of all in the region."
"We have seen a video released by Pakistani authorities of a former Indian Naval officer, doing business in Iran, who is in Pakistani custody under unexplained circumstances. The video has this individual making statements which have no basis in fact. That the individual claims to make the statements of his own free will not only challenges credibility but clearly indicates tutoring," he said.
"It is also relevant to note here that despite our request, we have not been given consular access to an Indian national under detention in a foreign country, as is the accepted international practice. We are naturally concerned about his well-being in these circumstances," said Swarup, adding that the government categorically rejects allegations that the individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest.
"Our enquiries reveal that he apparently was being harassed while operating a legitimate business from Iran. While we probe this aspect further, his presence now in Pakistan raises questions, including the possibility of his abduction from Iran. This would become clear only if we are given consular access to him and we urge the Government of Pakistan to respond immediately to our request," he added.
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