The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed alarm over the decision to set up special courts to be headed by military officials to try terrorism cases.
In a statement issued Friday, the HRCP expressed dismay that all political parties supported the unfortunate decision to support the special courts, although some had earlier expressed reservations.
According to the statement, the decision undermines the judiciary and shows “lack of confidence in an independent and strong judicial system in the country”.
It must be noted that the superior judiciary has, several times in the past, ruled that military courts are unconstitutional, added the statement. It also expressed concerns that political dissidents could be targeted by these courts.
The statement added that HRCP believes the need instead is to reform and strengthen the system of investigation and prosecution. Reforms should include more scientific methods of investigation, rather than torture and coercion, as well as witness protection programmes and better security for lawyers, judges and witnesses, added the statement.
