High court lawyers to challenge 21st amendment, military courts in SC

Karachi
Sindh High Court Bar Association on Wednesday resolved to challenge the 21st constitutional amendment and the proposed establishment of military courts in the Supreme Court.
Adopting a resolution in this regard, SHCBA representatives maintained that the legal fraternity stands firm besides the government and armed forces in the war against terrorism, and strongly condemns the brutalities, exemplified by the Army Public School tragedy, committed by these barbaric elements.
However, the association members said any amendment to set up military courts for terrorists’ trials shall be ultra vires the basic structure of the Constitution; it would lead to the creation of parallel judicial system and adversely affect the process for dispensation of justice.
The SHCBA asserted it was imperative to strengthen anti-terrorism laws, improve investigation methods and security for judges and witnesses, if there were to be an effective judicial system to deal with terror cases. The state cannot abandon the principles of rule of law and due process, despite being engaged in a war against terrorists. These principles are fundamental to the dispensation of justice through courts presided over by judicial officers, read a statement issued by the association.