Govt extends scope of military courts to Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK

Published January 13, 2015
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. — AP/File
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. — AP/File

ISLAMABAD: During a meeting to review implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Tuesday, the government decided to extend the scope of military courts to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The high-level meeting at the Prime Minister's House in the federal capital approved that Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK Councils would also adopt the 21st Constitutional Amendment as well as the Amendment in the Army Act 1952 to facilitate formation of military courts in those areas.

The premier was also briefed on legislative and administrative measures as well as the progress on sub-committees regarding implementation of the NAP.

Also read: Nawaz constitutes special committee to implement National Action Plan

The NAP was drafted in the wake of the Peshawar school attack to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.

As part of the NAP, it was also decided to set up military courts in the country to try terror suspects. Last month, political parties had reached a consensus on the establishment of military courts after several rounds of a multi-party conference which was also attended by the country's military leadership.

In order to provide constitutional cover to the establishment of military courts, the Parliament had then adopted the 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill and the The Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2015.

Last week, the Pakistan Army had announced the establishment of the first group of nine military courts.

Read more: Nine military courts set up

No room for terrorism, terrorists in our society, says PM Nawaz

"We are taking all steps necessary to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan's soil," PM Nawaz told the meeting today.

The premier made it clear that there is no room for terrorism or terrorists in the society. He also said that the government is determined not to be at ease until the last terrorist is eliminated from the country.

A PM House spokesman told Dawn that officials were informed that since Dec 23, 2014 in Punjab and Islamabad territories, 164 cases have been registered for delivery of hate speech and hate material whereas 157 persons have been arrested. Moreover, 40 printing presses and shops have also been sealed.

The meeting's participants were also apprised that 1,994 cases have been registered, while 1,088 persons have been arrested over the misuse of loudspeakers. The meeting was told that details from provinces, other than Punjab, are still awaited.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Attorney General Salman Butt, Secretary Law Barrister Zafarullah, Federal Secretary for Ministry of Interior Shahid Khan and National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) Coordinator Hamid Ali Khan are attending the meeting.

Take a look: No room for further debate on National Action Plan in NA: Nawaz

Opinion

Editorial

Personal priorities
Updated 21 Mar, 2025

Personal priorities

Pet projects launched by govt often found to be poorly conceived, ripe for exploitation, misaligned with country’s overall development priorities.
Inheritance rights
21 Mar, 2025

Inheritance rights

THE Federal Shariat Court’s ruling that it is un-Islamic to deprive a woman of her right to inheritance is a...
Anti-Muslim actions
21 Mar, 2025

Anti-Muslim actions

MUSLIMS in India have endured incessant scrutiny of their nationalism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ...
Victim complex
Updated 20 Mar, 2025

Victim complex

If New Delhi is sincere about bringing peace to South Asia, let it agree to an unconditional dialogue with Islamabad about all irritants.
LSM decline
20 Mar, 2025

LSM decline

THE slump in large-scale manufacturing amidst the adjustments the economy is forced to make in order to stay afloat...
Education interrupted
20 Mar, 2025

Education interrupted

THE sudden closure of major universities in Balochistan, ostensibly due to ‘security concerns’, marks another...