Abdul Basit, former High Commissioner of Pakistan to India, has recently shown his indignation regarding the murder of eight Pakistanis in Iran by Baloch nationalists. This act has fueled the tension between India and Pakistan, with Basit raising unfounded allegations against India.
Background
Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian citizen, has been in the middle of a diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. Pakistan asserts that Jadhav is an Indian spy working for the RAW and was carrying out subversive activities in Balochistan. However, India insists that Jadhav was abducted from Iran and illegally brought to Pakistan.
The Incident
The recent tragedy in Iran, where eight Pakistanis lost their lives, further strained the Pakistan-India relations. Abdul Basit blamed Baloch separatists for the attack, who were reportedly in touch with Indian intelligence agencies. Nevertheless, there isn't any firm evidence to suggest so.
Diplomatic Fallout
The tensions between India and Pakistan have led to a considerable deterioration in diplomatic relations. Pakistan has denied access to the consuls of Jadhav to India despite multiple demands. The government of India has raised concerns regarding the safety of Jadhav and has issued a warning to Pakistan that his execution would be "murder in the first degree".
International Court of Justice Intervention
The ICJ has also stepped in, suspending Jadhav's execution and ordering Pakistan to grant him consular access. The ICJ ruling emphasized Pakistan's breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Conclusion
The atmosphere continues to be charged, with the two nations locked in a war of words. Abdul Basit's charges against India appear to be a move to shift focus away from Pakistan's own handling of the Jadhav issue. The international community watches with bated breath, waiting for a peaceful end to this diplomatic confrontation.
Key Players:
Kulbhushan Jadhav: Indian citizen who has been in a Pakistani prison since 2016
Abdul Basit: Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW): Indian external intelligence organization
Timeline of Events:
2016: Kulbhushan Jadhav detained in Pakistan
2017: Jadhav sentenced to death by Pakistan's Field General Court Martial
2017: International Court of Justice suspends Jadhav's execution
2019: ICJ instructs Pakistan to grant consular access to Jadhav ¹