QUETTA: The government of Balochistan has selected 54 terrorism cases for trial by military courts set up under the 21st Cons­titution Amendment.

The cases were finalised at a high-level meeting of security officials.

Read: Political leaders reach consensus on military courts

Home Secretary Akbar Hussain Durrani told Dawn that of the 54 cases selected, 19 related to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Afghanis­tan, 18 to Lashkar-i-Jhangvi and 17 to Sipah-i-Muhammad.

The provincial apex committee, which is responsible for implementation of the National Action Programme against terrorism, will forward the cases to the federal government for a final decision.

Also read: Parliament passes 21st Constitutional Amendment, Army Act Amendment

Balochistan IG Mohammad Amlish Khan told Dawn that 168 accused had been nominated in the 54 cases; 88 of them were under arrest and 80 absconding.

Mr Durrani said that mercy petitions of 14 convicted militants were pending with the federal government and the provincial government had requested it to reject the petitions.

Published in Dawn January 27th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play