ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Civilian and Military leadership on Monday reached consensus to extend the term of Military Courts which played an extremely important role in reducing terror-related incidents.
In a high level meeting Chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Monday, the participants were told that the federal government had already initiated consultations for Constitutional amendment to continue the Military Courts.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt General Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor to PM on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua, Secretary to Prime Minister and other senior officials.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed internal and regional security situation in detail with a view to further strengthen the gains made through counter-terrorism operations.
The participants reiterated Pakistan’s clear-cut policy of zero tolerance against terrorism and extremism to accomplish internal peace as well as supplement its foreign policy initiatives.
The meeting resolved for continued efforts at all levels to achieve national policy objectives.
The meeting emphasized that the Military Courts played an extremely important role at a very crucial juncture of one action against extremism and terrorism, and translated the actions under operation Zarb-e-Azb to meaningful and tangible national gains.
The participants agreed that Pakistan would continue its efforts for attaining internal peace and play its due role for a peaceful region.
The Military Courts heard 274 Cases during the period of its validity given by 21st Constitutional amendment. Out of 274 Cases, 161 terrorists were awarded death penalty while 113 were awarded imprisonment.
However, on expiry of two-year mandated period, the military courts ceased to function on January 6, 2017.
Sources said that the federal government had decided to give extension to Military Courts and, in this regard, legislation would be done for Constitutional amendment.
