ISLAMABAD (SW): Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Wednesday in a majority ruling upheld the establishment of military courts in the country.
The country’s Parliament passed the 21st Amendment and the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, to establish the special courts after the massacre in the Army Public School, Peshawar, last year.
The Court dismissed petitions challenging 21st Constitutional Amendment.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif welcomed the move. While addressing the National Assembly session today, he said the establishment of military courts has strengthened the war against terrorism.
"With this decision, the war against terrorism will be strengthened and terrorists will be discouraged," PM Nawaz was quoted saying by the Dawn news.
He added that the Parliament's decision has been validated by the court and the acceptance of the extraordinary steps is commendable.
"For extraordinary circumstances, extraordinary steps are required," the premier reiterated. It is vital to note despite criticism by the European Union and rights’ organizations, the government of Pakistan has executed more than 150 death row convicts since lifting a moratorium on capital punishments in March this year.
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