Nawaz satisfied with military courts’ verdicts

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the handing down of death sentences by the military courts to all those involved in planning and executing Peshawar’s Army Public School (APS) massacre in which more than 150 people, mostly schoolchildren, were killed.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the premier expressed satisfaction over the performance of the military courts and their decision to execute the six culprits, who played various roles in carrying out the heinous act.

“It is matter of pleasure and satisfaction for me as the culprits, who brutally killed and injured more than 300 APS students, have met their fate,” an official statement quoted the prime minister as saying.

The prime minister said the loss of innocent lives can never be compensated. “However, award of death sentence to the terrorists has sent a message to the parents of martyrs and all of us that all criminals and their nefarious activities will soon come to an end,” he said.

He said all the political parties kept their mutual differences aside and supported the government in the legislation for the military courts. “And now we are getting results as military courts are punishing terrorists to eliminate terrorism from the country,” he said.

Nawaz Sharif said the decision to establish military courts was a very hard one but for a better, and prosperous future of the nation all unanimously approved the idea of their formation.

“All the prevailing issues of the country would be resolved by upholding democratic values and with the support of all institutions,” he said, adding that: “The parliament, the Supreme Court and the military courts played their role well and are worthy of applause.”

The PM also lauded the efforts of Pakistan Army to end the menace of terrorism and said the army’s role in curbing terrorism is exemplary. “The days are not far when we will succeed in the war against terrorism though unity and mutual cooperation,” he said.

PM Nawaz said the Independence Day was being celebrated in a better and more peaceful environment then the past. “I pray that upcoming independence days may be free from terrorism and extremism,” he added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th, 2015.