Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: Pakistan claims victory, Imran Khan says big win

Islamabad : Pakistan on Wednesday claimed victory as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) pronounced its verdict on Kulbhushan Jadhav.

While, most of the Pakistan's arguments were rejected in the court, the Imran Khan government said it is a "big win" for the country as ICJ rejected India's demand of Jadhav's release repatriation.

The Pakistan foreign office has claimed that it will now proceed in the case as per law. "Having heard the judgment, Pakistan will now proceed as per law," the statement said.

Mazari tweeted that the verdict was in favour of Pakistan.

"Oh for heaven sakes only on consular access judgement in India's favour - otherwise on every other count India lost - execution only stayed till all review channels utilised," she said.

The ICJ has ruled that Pakistan must review the death sentence for the Indian national who was charged for "espionage and terrorism". 

Jadhav, 49, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by the Pakistani military court on charges of "espionage and terrorism" after a closed trial in April 2017. His sentencing evoked a sharp reaction in India following which New Delhi moved the world court.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the ruling of the court by a vote of 15-1 upheld India's position in the case.

"This landmark judgement validates India's position on the matter," he said, adding, "We will continue to work vigorously for Kulbhushan Jadhav's early release and return to India."