Consensus on extension in term of military courts yet to achieve
February 23, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Representatives of parliamentary parties on Thursday once again failed to reach a consensus on the issue of extension in term of military courts.
An in-camera meeting of parliamentary parties discussed a draft constitutional amendment regarding extension in term of military courts. The forum was briefed by National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua.
Sources informed Geo News that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf insisted on the old draft of the amendment, while Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl was in favour of new one.
Pakistan People's Party boycotted the session, while Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and Awami National Party backed the PPP stance on the issue.
Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq, in order to convince the PPP, has decided to approach its co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Sadiq said that all parliamentary leaders agreed on extending the term of military courts, however, the PPP didn't participate in the meeting due to some reservations.
He said that he along with Maulana Fazlur Rahman will contact the PPP leadership.
MQM-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar said this time his party will not extend unconditional support to military courts. "PM and interior minister will have to give a solid guarantee for this," he added.
