The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Friday expressed serious alarm over the decision to set up military courts to try terror suspects and has termed it against the law and constitution.

“The commission is dismayed that all political parties supported this unfortunate decision, although some had earlier expressed reservations. HRCP has a number of concerns over this move," chairperson of the commission Zohra Yusuf said in a statement.

Examine: Military courts: How the reluctant were brought round

“Firstly, the decision undermines the judiciary and shows lack of confidence in an independent and strong judicial system in the country," Yusuf said.

She feared that political dissidents, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh, could become targets of military courts.

“HRCP believes that there is a need to reform and strengthen the system of investigation and prosecution," she said.

"The hasty decision is all the more questionable as the Supreme Court itself is attempting to expedite cases of terrorism,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, a meeting of parliamentary leaders at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad reached a consensus over the issue of setting up military courts for tackling terrorism cases in the country.

Take a look: Political leaders reach consensus on military courts