Military courts award death sentence to six ‘hardcore terrorists’, life imprisonment to one
In first-ever verdict since their establishment in January, the military courts have handed down death sentence to six “hardcore terrorists”, the military said Thursday.
One was awarded life imprisonment, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Asim Bajwa said in a statement.
The government had decided to set up military-led special courts after the Taliban’s brutal attack on Army Public School, Peshawar in December last year that had killed 140 children and 10 of their teachers.
The courts had formally started work in February and the Interior Ministry had sent 12 terrorism-related cases.
“Seven hardcore terrorists involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, men slaughtering, suicide bombing, abduction for ransom, colossal damage to life and property were tried by military courts,” Maj Gen Bajwa said.
“In view of the nature and gravity of offences preferred against each, six terrorists have been awarded death sentences and one life imprisonment by the military courts,” he said, adding that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has confirmed the death sentences.
Those awarded death sentence include Noor Saeed, Haider Ali, Murad Khan, Inayatullah, Israrud din and Qari Zahir. Abbas has been awarded life imprisonment. The convicts have the right to file an appeal before the court of appeals, the spokesman added.
The statement did not reveal as to when and where the trial had been held.
The Parliament had introduced an amendment in the constitution to set up the military courts for the speedy trial as officials had insisted that people involved in terrorism escape punishment in the regular judicial system or their trial is delayed.
The courts will be established for two years in four provinces, according to the legislation.
Officials say that the provincial governments have prepared lists of the cases to be referred to the military courts in the coming weeks.