Establishing military courts is indeed a smart move by the government but it will not work for a long period of time
QUETTA: The Peshawar massacre has not only united political parties and brought the civilians and the military on one page, it has also provided the nation with a tremendous opportunity to eradicate terrorism and extremism once and for all. Moreover, it has also given an opportunity to revisit the efficacy of our criminal justice system. The All-Parties Conference was also attended by the director general of the ISI and the chief of army staff. The most important point agreed upon at these meetings was the establishment of military courts.
It is true that in such circumstances, the idea of military courts is perhaps not unreasonable for a short time as it has myriad advantages like ensuring the safety of the witnesses, judges, prosecution lawyers and providing quick justice. But the question arises: has our criminal justice system failed? Why is it not delivering quick justice? What are the responsibilities of the government and what it has to do to overcome the weaknesses of the criminal justice system? Moreover, what will happen after two years when the tenure of military courts will end?
Establishing military courts is indeed a smart move by the government but it will not work for a long period of time, as curbing terrorism and extremism needs short as well as long-term policies. Involving the army (that is already facing myriad of problems) in such matters, will result in extra burden on this institution. What is needed is that the government should look at the weaknesses of our criminal justice system and device productive policies regarding investigation and prosecution in these two years. It is the need of the hour that policymakers should sit and re-think why the system is not delivering quick justice.
Naseebullah
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2015.
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