Pak rules out immediate execution of Jadhav, says he can appeal

Lahore, April 12 : Stating that Kulbhushan Jadhav had the right to move the army’s court of appeal against his conviction within 60 days, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has ruled out immediate execution of the Indian national convicted on charges of being a spy.
Speaking in the Senate, Asif claimed that Jadhav had the right to move the army’s court of appeal against his conviction within 60 days, followed by submission of mercy pleas to the army chief and the President, reports the Dawn.
However, a perusal of the Army Act, 1952, showed that under Section 131 of the act, an appeal could be moved within 40 days, and not 60 days.
Rejecting India’s stand that Jadhav’s execution would be “pre-meditated murder”, the Defence Minister asserted that due process of law had been followed in the case.
Asif also made it clear that all untoward elements, from within Pakistan or across the border, involved in terrorist activities and those conspiring against the security and integrity of Pakistan would be allowed no concession.