ISLAMABAD: The 28th Amendment Bill 2017, which seeks the extension of military courts for another two years, was passed in the Senate on Tuesday after two-third majority votes came in its favour.
According to the vote count, 78 votes came in favour of the bill while three opposed it. The bill will become an Act of Parliament after the President’s signature.
After the bill becomes an act, the duration of the military courts will be extended for another two years, starting from January 7, 2017.
The bill, which was moved on March 10 by Law Minister Zahid Hamid, demands implementation of the law of evidence during the proceedings. It also asks for suspects to be brought to court within 24 hours and be entitled to have a lawyer of their choice.
Before the Senate session, Hamid had confirmed that the bill will be approved during Tuesday’s session. He added, "This amendment would have been approved six days earlier had all members of different parties taken the matter seriously."
Earlier on March 10, the Senate passed the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2017 but postponed voting on the 28th Amendment Bill 2017 to March 28.
The Army Act 2017 further amends the Pakistan Army Act 1952. In January 2015 the Pakistan Army Act 2015, along with the 21st Constitution amendment, was passed to try hardcore terrorists in military courts.
Four additions have been made in the previously passed Pakistan Army Act 2015.
Maulana Attaur Rehman of JUI-F opposed the bill, saying “terrorism should not be linked with any religion, group or sect”. His objection was rejected by a majority of the Senate.
The 28th Amendment has already been passed by the National Assembly when 255 NA members voted in favour while only four voted against the bill on March 21.