Govt presents ICJ review and reconsideration bill regarding Kulbhushan case in Senate

The bill, meant to provide the right of appeal to Kulbhushan, had been passed by the National Assembly (NA) last week.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan introduced the bill in the House, which was criticised by the Opposition. Following this, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani referred the bill to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice.

The bill states that where the International Court of Justice issues an order regarding the rights of foreigners, the high court will have the power to review and reconsider it and the affected foreigner will be able to file a petition for review in the high court either themselves or through their representative.

The petition will be filed with reference to punishment or order of punishment by a military court under the Pakistan Army Act. A review or reconsideration request will be filed within 60 days of the military court's order.

Accoridng to the bill, the high court will examine whether the foreign national has been discriminated against in terms of defence, right to testify, fair trial, and denial of consular access.

As per the aims and objectives of the bill, India has approached the ICJ about Jadhav's trial. The ICJ's decision requires Pakistan to provide a review mechanism to such prisoners.