Tribal elders, politicians hail trial courts, Fazl disagrees

Fazlur Rehman says JUI-F only supported establishment of military courts in view of recent terrorism, blasts ‘international propaganda’ against religious institutions, slams idea to hand over country’s reins to army chief for next two years

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman Thursday clarified that his party does not endorse the idea of military courts “in principle”, adding that JUI-F had lent support to the establishment of military courts in view of the recent acts of terrorism. He also blasted the “international propaganda” against madrassas.

However, people from different walks of life and political parties warmly welcomed the decision taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif a day earlier to set up special trial courts to try hardened terrorists in the country.

“It is incorrect to say that JUI-F endorses the idea of setting up military courts to try suspected terrorists,” Fazl told journalists on Thursday. He said that the constitutional status of the establishment of the military courts was also questioned by experts present in the All Parties’ Conference (APC) held a day earlier to develop a strategy to root terrorism from the country.

He further stated that non-effectiveness of certain anti-terrorism laws to prevent terrorism and prosecute terrorists was also discussed in the meeting.

Laws have not failed, only implementation is lacking, opined the JUI-F leader.

“If military courts fail as well, would we bring in martial law?” he questioned.

The army has an important role to play in the fight against terrorism but JUI-F is not in favour of handing over affairs of the state to the army chief for two years, said Fazl.

He also criticised propaganda against ‘deeni madaris’ and said it was part of international agenda for the “character assassination of religious institutions”. However, he agreed that there is need for reforms in religious institutions like every sector in the country. Religious institutions have always played their role for sectarian harmony and opposed extremism, he said.

He said the Peshawar incident had united the entire nation. The JUI-F chief called for continued unity amongst the political leadership and sustained efforts to prevent repetition of a Peshawar-like tragedy.

TRIBAL LEADERS HAIL MILITARY COURTS:

In the meanwhile, talking to journalists, tribal elders in the country’s restive north-west, political leaders and peace activists extended full support to the government and security forces in the efforts to eliminate terrorism.

National Assembly members Shahabuddin Khan, Bismallah Khan, Senator Hidayatullah Khan as well as leaders from leaders of several political parties and human rights organisations termed the PM’s decision to set up special military courts “a bold and timely decision towards the complete elimination of terrorism from the country”.

“The decision to set up special military courts reflects the shows the government’s and the entire political leadership’s commitment to curb militancy,” said Shahabuddin.

Talking to journalists, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly lawmaker Sardar Hussain Babak said that the unity among the religio-political eldership and army over the issue of terrorism has created hope among the people about establishment of peace in the region. The unity among the politicians amounts to winning the half battle against the militants, he added.