Senate passes bill to revive military courts

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed the Constitution (28th Amendment Bill, 2017) envisaging an extension in the military courts for two years.

The bill that had already been passed by the National Assembly was tabled in the Upper House of the Parliament by Law Minister Zahid Hamid.

The house also adopted a resolution to set up a Parliamentary Committee on National Security.

The amendment was passed by two thirds majority with 78 lawmakers supporting the legislation and three opposing it.

During the last session of the Senate  the government failed to ensure presence of 69 lawmakers ( Two thirds majority).

Taking part in the debate on the bill in the Senate, Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian’s (PPPP) Sassui Palijo said her party had suggested positive amendments in the Army Act.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Sitara Ayaz said since all the political parties were united on the bill so it should not be discussed.

PPPP’s Sehar Kamran said the military courts should be established for countering the terrorism and punishing the terrorists.

Rehman Malik said there were no military courts in the world as other countries had not also faced extra-ordinary circumstances like Pakistan.

The constitutional amendment should be carried out with an open heart and efforts be made to make the country terrorism free, he added.

Rehman Malik said the government should take steps to improve the judicial system in the country for speedy justice.

Ateeq Shaikh of Muttahida Qaumi Movement said military courts were need of the hour. He, however, urged the government to carry out judicial reforms for quick and speedy justice.

Web Desk/APP