ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday passed a resolution against the recent Supreme Court verdict of declaring some sections of the Pakistan Army (amended) Act, including establishment of military courts to try civilians as unconstitutional.
The resolution was moved by Senator Dilawar Khan and others. Senator Raza Rabbani of the PPP and Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-e-Islami opposed the resolution.
The resolution said the apex court’s verdict was an attempt to rewrite the constitution. It added that the court verdict was also an attempt to influence the mandate of the upper house of parliament.
The military trial of those involved in attacking the military installations was allowed in the constitution.
The trial of individuals accused of anti-state vandalism and violence under the Army Act serves as a deterrent against such acts, the resolution said.
The house said military courts had played a significant role in addressing terrorism by ensuring that those responsible for terrorist acts are brought to justice. However, the judgment granted a chance to terrorists, anti-state actors, foreign agents and spies to be tried in normal courts.
Terming May 9 a dark day in the history of the country, the resolution condemned the arson attacks on military installations.
Those who attacked defence installations and dismantled memorials of martyrs deserve no empathy or leniency. They should be tried in military courts and stringent punishments be given to make them an example, it added.
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