Kulbushan’s conviction: Pakistan denies breach of any pact

NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Monday rejected India's assertion that it is violating a bilateral pact by not giving access to retired Indian Navy officer Kulbushan Yadev. 

India has made 15 requests for consular access to 46-year-old Yadhav, who has been convicted of "espionage and sabotage" by a Pakistan Army court. Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit told the foreign media in an interview that as per bilateral pact on consular access, cases pertaining to political and security issues, will be decided on merit, indicating that consular access cannot be taken for granted. 

On repeated requests for consular access to Yadhav by India, which has also accused Pakistan of violating the bilateral pact on the issue, Basit said, "We have a bilateral agreement under which it is clearly said that in matters relating to political and security issues, those cases should be decided on merit.

"So, we have so far taken a decision strictly in accordance with the law of the land and as per the bilateral agreement of 2008 (with India). We have not breached anything. We are proceeding as per our laws as well as bilateral obligation and commitment."