Don't go ahead with execution of Kulbushan Jadhav: Soz to Pak

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz today appealed Pakistan not to go ahead with the execution of Kulbushan Jadhav as it would add enormously to the present atmosphere of “bickering and extremism”.

Jadhav has been given death penalty by a Pakistani military court on charges of spying.

“It is extremely distressing that India and Pakistan relationship has touched a new low in recent times,” he told reporters here.

The hawks on both sides have been playing havoc in making the situation more tense, by the day, Soz said without citing further details.

“The other distressing aspect of this situation is that certain elements in the media take the extreme position on issues and add fuel to the fire of bitterness in relations between the two countries,” he said.

Soz welcomed recent comments by Pakistan’s National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua on Indo-Pak relationship.

Janjua was quoted by Pakistani media as saying, “We need to engage with each other and resolve disputes.” 

Janjua further reiterated that, “Pakistan and India cannot remain enemies forever.” 

Soz said he “welcome these thoughts”.

“Against this background, I would like to appeal the Pakistan authorities not to go ahead with the execution of Kulbushan Jadhav as that step would add enormously to the present atmosphere of bickering and extremism.

“I wish and pray that Pakistan extends this gesture in the interest of peace and cordiality in the sub-continent of India and Pakistan,” the senior Congress leader said.