On 14 April 2017, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (the “LHCBA”) stated that it will take action against any lawyer who extends their services to Kulbhushan Jadhav, an alleged Indian spy who was sentenced to death in early April 2017 by a Pakistani military court. The LHCBA has “unanimously decided to cancel the membership of any lawyer who offers their services to [Mr. Jadhav].” The Secretary-General of the LHCBA asked the government of Pakistan not to cave to foreign pressure, and stated that the “Indian spy who is involved in playing with lives of Pakistanis should not be spared and the government (should ensure his hanging).” Despite the fact that the offence is not of a military nature and that Mr. Jadhav is not military personnel, he was tried and sentenced to death by a military court. LRWC and the Law Society of Upper Canada published a letter on 19 May 2017 calling for the government of Pakistan to ensure that Mr. Jadhav has competent legal counsel who has adequate protections from harassment, intimidation, improper interference, attacks and reprisals.
