Opposition seeks briefing over performance of military courts

ISLAMABAD - The opposition parties in the National Assembly have sought briefing from the government over the performance of military courts during the past two years.

Opposition's demand came after the expiry of military courts duration on January 7.

The federal government is considering a constitutional amendment to continue the military courts for a period agreed by all political parties represented in the Parliament.

This was revealed during a meeting on Pakistan’s foreign relations held in Islamabad on Monday with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair.

The meeting emphasized that the military courts have played an important role against extremism and terrorism and translated the actions under operation Zarb-e-Azb into meaningful and tangible national gains.

The meeting reviewed internal and regional security situation in detail with a view to further strengthen gains made through counter-terrorism operations.

The Speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq chaired the consultative meeting with the parties, during which the government was asked to brief the Opposition on the military courts, National Action Plan (NAP) and other issues related to war on terror.

Talking to newsmen after the meeting, PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the PML-N had promised to introduce improvements in judicial system as it has failed to provide justice.

"There's has been no step taken in this regard," he added.

The leader of Opposition in National Assembly, Khursheed Shah maintained that there was a consensus on military courts issue and that the government must brief the opposition parties on the status of NAP and Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

The NA Speaker later stated that another meeting had been scheduled on January 17 to discuss the matter.