Islamabad, Dec 24 (IANS): The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and Qwami Watan Party (QWP) Wednesday extended their support to the formation of more military courts in Pakistan.
During the course of a parliamentary meet at the prime minister's residence in Islamabad to finalise recommendations made by the Anti-Terrorism National Action Plan Committee (ATNAPC), PTI chairman Imran Khan supported the formation of more military courts stressing that the entire nation was ready for the elimination of terrorism.
PML-Q leader Mushahid Hussain Syed said terrorists would immediately be sentenced with the formation of military courts. He added even the US took the same step to gain success against terrorism.
QWP leader Aftab Sherpao said extraordinary measures were required in these times, emphasising that the country’s military and civilian leadership was ready to fight terrorism.
Military courts will be formed for a specific period and will hear terrorism cases, The News International reported citing sources.
The country’s military leadership has asked the federal government to amend the Pakistan Army Act 1952 to give wide-ranging powers to the army so that the civilians involved in terrorist activities directed against the military or military installations could be court-martialled instead of being tried and convicted by regular courts or anti-terrorism courts.
After recommendations of the ATNAPC are finalised, these will be presented during the joint sitting of parliament.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the meeting, said the country was facing an unusual situation and if strong measures were not taken, it would be unacceptable for the nation.
"Terrorism is a cancer-like disease and history will never forgive us if it is not treated now. The responsibility rests on all of us, and we have to take tough decisions against those who want to rip the country apart, those who are killing innocent children and have no mercy in their hearts," he added.
The meeting was held in the light of the Dec 16 Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that left more than 140 students and teachers dead.