Pakistan to amend Army Act for military courts

Islamabad: The Pakistan government on Saturday presented two bills in the National Assembly including ‘The Constitution (Twenty-First Amendment) bill 2015’ and ‘Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015’ to set up military courts for terrorists’ trial. Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Perez Rashid presented the two bills in the lower house of  Parliament.
The minister also moved two motions to dispense with other business of the day to take into consideration the bills, which were approved by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

The Speaker announced that the House will resume session on Monday. The bills are expected to be introduced in the Senate on Tuesday. After over five hours of their deliberations, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervez Rashid told reporters that a Constitutional Amendment would be made to give cover to the amendment in the Army Act. The minister said decisions at the meeting were taken with consensus.

The Amendment Bill is aimed at speedy trial of offence relating terrorism, waging of war against Pakistan and prevention of acts threatening the security of the country. The Pakistan Army Amendment Bill seeks amendment in clause D of Army Act 1952. Under this Act any person who belongs to any terrorist group or organization and uses the name of religion or a sect and wages war against Pakistan will be tried.