RECENTLY, a military court awarded the death penalty to 15 militants and jail terms to six others found guilty of attacking schools, law-enforcement personnel and civilians.

The death sentences were ratified by Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. The militants were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism, destruction of educational institutions and the killing of innocent civilians. It is important to mention that the country is going through extraordinary circumstances and extraordinary decisions are the need of the hour. The people of Pakistan want perpetrators to be punished and expect their elected representatives to ensure that justice and judicial reforms are not delayed.

Speedy trials in military courts ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied. Moreover, military courts have been instrumental in helping the state in providing a legal backup to military operations. Their efficacy is well established.

Afia Ambreen

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2018