Senate approves two-year extension to military courts

ISLAMABAD: Senate Wednesday adopted the Constitutional Twenty-eighth Amendment Bill giving a go-ahead to the extension of military courts for another span of two years to try militants charged under terrorism charges.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani presided over the session. The bill was put forward by Minister for Law Zahid Hamid.

Speaking on the bill, Law Minister Zahid Hamid said in January, 2015, Pakistan Army Act, 2015 along with 21st Constitution amendment was passed to trial hardcore terrorists in military courts.

He said it was reviewed in January this year that positive results were achieved in fight against war on terror through these amendments. However, he said terrorism still a threat to the integrity and security of the country and extraordinary situation is persisting. He said it is imperative to extend special measures adopted earlier. He said four additions have been made in the previously passed Pakistan Army Act, 2015.

Opposing the bill, Maulana Attaur Rehman of JUI-F said terrorism should not be linked with any religion, group or sect. He said Islam has nothing to do with terrorism and mosques and seminaries should not be bracketed with militancy.

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