RAWALPINDI, Feb 22: For the smooth working of the courts, the law ministry has issued a notification that the anti- terrorism courts (ATCs) will continue to function as usual till March 11, official sources told Dawn.

The law and interior ministries have also been directed to prepare for March 11 when the regular hearing by a three-member bench starts in Lahore High Court (LHC), the source said.

The Lahore High Court Chief Justice, Falak Sher, on February 12 had stayed establishment of new ATCs with army officers among their judges and stopped the federal government from taking any step under the presidential ordinance to induct army officers in the ATCs.

The court had also directed to form three-member full bench to hear the petition on March 11.

The source said the working of the existing ATCs had been affected due to the ongoing controversy over the setting up of ATCs with the inclusion of army officers.

The lawyers held countrywide protest rallies against the government’s decision to induct army officers into the ATCs for speedy trial of terrorism-related cases.

The LHC chief justice stayed establishment of new ATC with army officers was also the outcome of a petition filed by the lawyer community.