In response to unceasing criticism and accusations from the
Indian external affairs ministry, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on
Thursday categorically rejected all allegations and complaints raised by India while stressing that the meeting
between Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and his family had been permitted
on humanitarian grounds, in line with Islamic teachings and in the
tradition of compassion and grace.
Earlier in the day, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj had rejected Pakistan's claim that 'something suspicious' was found in Jadhav's wife's shoes, terming the allegation "an absurdity beyond measure".
While
addressing the Rajya Sabha — the upper house of India's parliament —
Swaraj had said that it was "absurd to suggest there was a mystery chip
or camera or recording device planted inside Kulbhushan's wife's shoes."
Swaraj also reiterated claims that the trial conducted
by Pakistan to convict Jadhav was "farcical" and that his mother and
wife were humiliated by Pakistani authorities before and after their
meeting with him.
Asif, in his statement, said the meeting had been held successfully despite all impediments and this needs to be acknowledged.
"The success of the meeting was evident by the fact that the mother thanked Pakistan after the visit," he added.
Referring
to questions being raised by Indian media and authorities on the
modalities of the visit, the foreign minister highlighted that the
decision to allow the meeting "did not obviate the fact that this was
not an ordinary meeting between a mother and wife with their son and
husband."
"The reality remains that Kulbhushan Jadhav is
a serving Indian Naval officer and a convicted Indian terrorist and spy
responsible for multiple deaths and destruction in Pakistan," he
stressed, adding that comprehensive security check for the visitors was
therefore essential.
"This was agreed between both the
countries, in advance, through diplomatic channels. The visitors were
treated with respect and dignity. The change of clothes and removal of
jewellery and ornaments etc was purely for security reasons," the
minister added.
He further said that the visitors were
returned all of their belongings before they left. Only the wife’s shoes
were retained as they did not clear a security check.
"A metal chip was found in one of the shoes, which is being analysed," he stated.
Citing
the example of routine airport security checks for ordinary people, he
termed the statements made by Indian authorities a bid to "distort an
agreed security check" and attempt to portray it as 'disrespect'.
"It is unfortunate that the frenzied Indian media is driving Indian politics," he remarked.
Also
on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal reiterated
that the family of convicted Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had been
allowed to met him purely on humanitarian grounds.
"The
footwear of Kulbhushan's wife was taken only because of security
concerns," he said, adding that the shoes will be handed over to Indian
authorities after complete screening.
"The details of the screening will also be shared with media in the next two days," he said.
The
FO spokesperson further said that a letter has been sent to Indian
authorities seeking details on the whereabouts of retired Col Habib
Zahir, who had gone missing from Nepal in April this year.
