PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly unanimously passed a resolution demanding immediate withdrawal of the verdicts announced by the military courts.
The joint resolution was tabled by PTI MPA Abdul Salam Afridi during the last session of the 2024 KP Assembly on Tuesday.
The resolution affirmed that there is a system of justice for all citizens of the country according to the Constitution and the law, beginning with the civil courts and culminating in the Supreme Court.
He emphasized that a transparent trial is a constitutional and fundamental right of every citizen. “Sentences handed down by military courts not only undermine justice, but also deprive citizens of their basic rights,” the resolution said.
The resolution further highlighted that such decisions have brought shame to Pakistan internationally and constitute a violation of human rights. He condemned the unconstitutional and partial decisions of the military courts and called for their immediate revocation.
The assembly urged the provincial government to recommend to the federal government that the military courts withdraw their decisions and ensure an impartial and independent investigation into the events of May 9.
IGP briefing
Following a briefing by the KP Inspector General of Police (IG) on the law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, President Babar Salim Swati clarified that parliament will now decide where military deployment or action is necessary.
He said that information will also be requested from 11 Corps officials. During Monday’s provincial assembly session, the IG was invited to discuss the law and order situation. On Tuesday he informed the provincial ministers and the assembly members, who also made several suggestions.
On this basis another briefing will be held. Speaker Babar Salim Swati presided over the session, which was attended by the IG, ministers and AMP.
The speaker underlined that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has the status of “buffer zone”. The objective of the briefing was to assess the capabilities of the police. According to the IG, the police and the Anti-Terrorism Department (CTD) are carrying out their duties effectively.
“The capacity of the police is commendable and any decision on the need for military deployment will now be taken by parliament,” the spokesman said. “No action will be supported without your approval.”
Opposition member Ahmad Kundi welcomed the inclusion of opposition members in the session, saying that people demand security and closed-door sessions provide hope to resolve the issues. He also recalled the speaker’s success in amicably resolving issues during the Tahafuz Pashtun Jirga.
During the session, Inspector General of Jails Akhtar Hayat Gandapur presented a comprehensive report on law and order, discussed the current situation and listened to suggestions from the members.
