Pakistani political leaders divided over new military courts

5 Dariya News

Islamabad 24-Dec-2014

Political parties in Pakistan in a parliamentary meeting Wednesday were pided over the formation of more millitary courts in the country.During the meeting at the residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) raised its objection over the formation of more military courts in the country.“It's better to apply martial law in the country rather than forming military courts, which is undemocratic. So far, martial law has come into force 100 times. So, one more time won't be a big deal,” MQM chief Altaf Hussain told reporters. He was addressing a telephonic press conference from Britain Wednesday evening. The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam- Fazl (JUI-F) also raised objection to the idea of military courts.

Meanwhile, the Awami National Party (ANP) has sought more time on the matter."We need a few days to consult on these military courts. We want to see the legislation first," ANP’s Ghulam Bilour said, adding that irrespective of his party’s view on the establishment of military courts, the state must pull together all its resources “to fight the terrorists”.Earlier, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and Qwami Watan Party (QWP) extended their support to the formation of more military courts in Pakistan. PTI chairman Imran Khan supported the formation of more military courts stressing that the entire nation was ready for the elimination of terrorism. PML-Q leader Mushahid Hussain Syed said terrorists could immediately be sentenced with the formation of military courts. He added even the US took the same step to gain success against terrorism.

QWP leader Aftab Sherpao said extraordinary measures were required in these times, emphasising that the country's military and civilian leadership was ready to fight terrorism.Military courts will be formed for a specific period and will hear terrorism cases, The News International reported citing sources. In the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif said the country was facing an unusual situation and if strong measures were not taken, it would be unacceptable for the nation. "Terrorism is a cancer-like disease and history will never forgive us if it is not treated now. The responsibility rests on all of us, and we have to take tough decisions against those who want to rip the country apart, those who are killing innocent children and have no mercy in their hearts," he added.The meeting was held in the light of the Dec 16 Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that left more than 140 students and teachers dead.