Dar says military courts’ extension vital for giving momentum to anti-terrorism drive

ISLAMABAD - Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that continuation of the military courts was essential for ensuring continuation of the momentum of anti-terrorism campaign and the political leadership in the Parliament needed to stand united.

He discussed matters pertaining to extension in working of military courts for speedy trial of terrorists with parliamentary leaders, including Maulana Fazal-ur-Rahman, Syed Naveed Qamar, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, and Maulana Attaur Rahman.

He emphasised the need for complete consensus in this matter and said that a prompt decision was necessary to combat the fresh wave of militancy that had gripped the country during the last few days.

Dar said that it was heart-wrenching that precious lives were being lost in terrorist incidents in all the four provinces. He said that an effective and well-coordinated response on part of the federal and provincial governments was the need of the hour.

The parliamentary leaders agreed with the minister about the need to develop a well-coordinated and fitting response to the terrorist threat.

The minister also made a phone call to Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq asking him to facilitate early convening of meeting of the parliamentary committee on the subject of military courts so that a concrete decision in the matter could be taken as early as possible. - APP