Extension of military courts: Parliamentary leaders’ meeting ends unproductively

ISLAMABAD - The meeting of the parliamentary committee called to decide whether or not to give an extension to military courts ended fruitlessly on Thursday as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) boycotted the meeting.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has called another meeting tomorrow. The speaker also decided to contact PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari to bring his party’s boycott to an end.

The PPP showed concerns on the original draft of 21st amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. The party also wanted that National Security Committee should be formed soon.

The session was attended by all other main parliamentary parties including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl. The parties showed concerns over the boycott of the PPP and urged that matter of military courts should be decided with consensus.

Earlier, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said 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.

Punjab Chief Minister had also said that PML-N government fully supported extending the tenure of military courts as terrorists were hesitant before attacking due to fear of punishment.