ISLAMABAD: The Shuhada Forum Balochistan (SFB) approached the Supreme Court on Tuesday to seek the strict implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism and extremism — formulated in 2014 — as well as expeditious disposal of pending appeals and trials of terrorists involved in anti-state activities.
Moved through senior counsel Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmad Khokhar on behalf of SFB patron-in-chief Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, the petition was filed a day before a six-judge Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, resumes the hearing of a set of intra-court appeals (ICAs) against the Oct 23 unanimous verdict declaring illegal the military trial of civilians.
The petition sought a directive for the federal and provincial governments to establish a robust prosecution system by adopting best international practices for witness protection and early conclusion of appeals and trials of anti-state elements before all forums, including the Supreme Court and high courts.
The petition said the federal and provincial governments should also be directed to pay special monetary packages and make sure free education for the children of martyr’s families in both private and government institutions and to provide them foolproof security when needed.
“These governments should also be directed to take steps and introduce new legislation for controlling illegal menace of promoting terrorist activities on different social media platforms and for controlling fake news by adopting best international practices and establishing an independent authority to deal with such matters after consultation with stakeholders.”
Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2024