RAWALPINDI, March 23: The federal government has asked provinces to identify all pending cases which do not merit trial by the anti-terrorist courts, a source told Dawn. Only those cases which fall in the category of terrorism be challaned under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and be presented before the anti-terrorist courts (ATCs), the provincial governments were told. The decision was taken at a recently-held high-level meeting on law and order, aimed at reducing burden on anti-terrorist courts.

The source said it had been decided that only those cases in which terrorists try to create fear among the population by attacking both law enforcement personnel and soft targets, such as civilians and their property, be challaned under ATA and presented before the ATCs.

The act was enacted in 1997 to prevent terrorism, sectarian violence and for speedy trial of heinous offences.

He said it had also been decided to form a mechanism of information-sharing between the provinces about terrorist tactics. Information-sharing is very vital for combating terrorism.