The recent martyrdom of 23 soldiers in an attack on the security checkpost in Dera Ismail Khan has once again left the nation shocked. In the wake of the Army Public School (APS) massacre in Peshawar back in 2014, the moratorium on death penalty was lifted and, later on, the 21st Amendment was passed by parliament, allowing military courts for speedy trials of civilians involved in terrorism with a sunset clause of two years. It is imperative to initiate trials for terrorism-related cases in military courts, for attacks by the insurgents are increasing with every passing day. An all-party conference is needed along with representation from the military establishment to find a way out of this critical situation.
MALIK UL QUDDOOS
KARACHI
