Zardari reveals PPP's recommendations on revival of military courts

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Co-Chairman and former President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari on Monday unfolded his party's legislative proposals for the revival of military courts in the country.

Speaking at a press conference at Zardari house here, he said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government was not serious about implementing the National Action Plan (NAP).

The PPP leader clarified that his party was not against military courts, saying they have in fact advised extension in their tenure for a year. "We have never opposed military courts and are only coming up with recommendations on the proposal," he was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

"We are making it clear to the government that we are with the Pakistan Army," Zardari said and added that the party has been fighting terrorists and will continue to do so in the future.

Commenting over deployment of Rangers in Punjab, Zardari said that dual standards were being adopted when it comes to Sindh province.

"The notification for deployment of Rangers in Punjab is different than that of Sindh."

Military courts in Pakistan were established through the 21st Constitutional Amendment after the attack on Peshawars Army Public School in December 2014 that left 150 people, mostly children, dead.

Speaking on the occasion, PPP Secretary General Senator Farhatullah Babar said the proposals aim at safeguarding bare minimum standards of constitutionally guaranteed fair trial on the one hand and to prevent the misuse of these courts for political victimisation and witch hunting.

Salient features of legislative proposals:

1. The military courts will be presided over by 1 Session Judge or Additional Session Judge along with a military officer.

2. The Sessions Judge / Additional sessions Judge will be nominated by the concerned Chief Justice.

3. The period will be for 1 year from starting date.

4. Right of Judicial Review by High Courts under Article 199 of the Constitution.

5. The High Court shall decide the case within 60 day.

6. Accused to be produced within 24 hours before the concerned Court.

7. Accused to be supplied with grounds of arrest within 24 hours.

8. Accused shall have right to engage a consul of his choice.

9. Provisions of Qanoon-e-Shahadat 1984 shall apply.