In the backdrop of a fresh wave of terrorism in the country, the National Assembly and the Senate have adopted the 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to try terrorists in military courts.At least 247 members of the National Assembly and the Senate voted in favour of the lawto give constitutional cover to the trials of civilian terror suspects who have waged a war against the country.Congratulating the parliamentarians for passing the bill, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that hardcore terrorists will be tried in the military courts as the government has decided to rid the nation of terrorism once for all. The prime minister also expressed his optimism that the bill will help overcome 60 years of unrest in the country. The preambles to both the bills contain identical citationsthat extraordinary situation and circumstances demand extraordinary measures – that is to sue those who are involved in terrorismand are threatening the country’s security by using the name of religion.The Act will remain in force for two years from the date of its commencement.
The political and social circles have expressed reservations on this kind of arrangement by the prime minister who himself remained a victim of the military takeover in the past. However, terrorism has shaken the whole country and the nation has run out of its patience after the Peshawar incident.Pakistan has been regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world and has been put on the list of unstable countries like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Despite having better education system, technological advances and infrastructure than many developing nations, Pakistan is lagging behind even Vietnam in business and investment due to terrorist activities. The establishment of military courts cannot be appreciated, but the democratic government has to swallow bitter pill as it has run out of other options. Terrorists and their mentors often find a way out to escape the civilian courts due to lack of evidences. However, the government should ensure transparency in the trial of suspects by fulfilling all the norms of justice and fair play. We are living in a society where people use the crutches of law to settle their personal scores. Therefore, it is not only a responsibility of the government to punish the criminal, but also to protect the innocent. It is hoped that with the help of this law, the government will be able to maintain law and order in the country and will also put its maximum efforts to boost business and investment in the country.
