Jadhav's death sentence hinders release of Pakistani boys

By
Zahid Shirwani
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A photo of two of the three boys arrested by Indian authorities. Photo: Geo News screen grab

LAHORE: The decision of awarding death sentence to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav has hindered the release of three Pakistan boys, who were caught 11 months back after they accidentally crossed the border.

A resident of Bhagwanpura in Lahore, 22-year-old Shahzad had gone to Narowal to attend a wedding, family members told Geo News. From there, Shehzad and his cousins, 16-year-old Babar and 14-year-old Ali Raza, went to the border area for a visit.

"We waited for two days after which we go to know that [Indian] forces have caught them," Shahzad's mother, Naseem Bibi, told Geo News. "It has been 11 months since we have been running from pillar to post to bring them home but to no avail."

The family members informed the local police and Rangers, and after talks between officials of both countries the Indian authorities had agreed on releasing the boys. But when Jadhav was put on death row, the decision of releasing the boys was reportedly postponed by India.

On April 10, Jadhav was awarded a death sentence by a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act for espionage and sabotage. Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa ratified Jadhav's sentencing by the FGCM. 

However, his execution has been temporarily stayed by the International Court of Justice pending its final decision on India's mercy petition.