Musharraf predicts a sharp rise in Indo-Pak tension

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf spoke on Pakistani TV channel ARY TV about the Kulbhushan Jadhav case and related issues. Below is the reconstructed version of what he said, based on a report first published in Pakistani newspaper Dawn. National Herald does not endorse any of the views expressed by Musharraf.

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf:

For anyone involved in espionage and sabotage, the case is tried in military court, a lawyer is assigned to defend the accused and the procedure is the same for Pakistanis as well as foreigners. Kulbhushan Jadhav was tried according to the same procedure.

Jadhav opted for a civilian defence lawyer, which was provided to him, it is a misconception that there is no defence in court martial cases. Consular access was denied to him as it was a case of espionage, it is a standard practice.

As for his options, according to military law, Jadhav can appeal to an appellate bench or take the matter to the Supreme Court, if that doesn't work out, the last resort is a mercy plea to the (Pakistani) President.

FGCM (Field General Court Martial) trials are generally speedy and the accused had already given his statement and there were facts and figures available against him, so the trial took as long as it was expected to take.

There is also talk in Indian media that the civilian government did not know of the case, which is not true as the Defence Minister gave a statement on the matter as soon as the news came out.

The current army chief is a wise man, he will weigh all the pros and cons of the case and then come up with a decision. We all know this case is not simple.

One thing is certain that they (India) will create a hue and cry about it internationally, their media has already started to do that. And in the West, the death penalty is not looked at in a very favourable light; so, of course, they are going to use that as a defence.

There will be a sharp rise in tension between Pakistan and India. Their media has already started using their pet term 'rogue army'. If they think our army is rogue, what is their army doing in Kashmir, have they forgotten what happened to Sikhs in their country?

Pakistan has to stand fast against India's accusations of the move being of 'premeditated murder'. I would like to remind everyone of how India dealt with Ajmal Kasab. Kassab was one non-state actor involved in one incident; this man was responsible for launching several such incidents in Balochistan and Karachi. Who is a greater criminal if we were to talk of numbers?

This singular incident should be set to one side and both countries should actively try to move forward in their overall relationship.

International intelligence is a dirty game. Pakistan now needs to remain vigilant as they (India) might try to sabotage us by picking up some Pakistanis and portray them as 'Pakistani spies' and try to get back at us.

Reconstructed on the basis of a report first published in Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

The views expressed are not endorsed by National Herald.