Countering terrorism: CJP makes a case for extraordinary steps

KARACHI:

Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has said that ordinary steps are not enough to combat terrorism in an effective manner.

Addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a project to construct 10 anti-terrorism courts inside the Karachi Central Prison on Saturday, the top judge said the whole scenario had changed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001.

All sections of society, including judges, lawyers, policemen, security forces and general public, had to pay a price for being on the forefront of the war against terrorism, Justice Jamali said. Pakistan is facing both internal and external threats, he said. And under the prevailing circumstances, ordinary steps are not enough to counter terrorism in the country.



Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the new ATCs being built on the jail premises. In order to ensure swift trials of terrorism-related cases in a secure environment, the buildings are being constructed to shift the existing 10 ATCs which are currently working in Clifton.

“Better environment and protection of the appointed judges for ATCs is extremely crucial,” he reiterated. “This is equally important for provision of timely justice.”

Justice Jamali, while appreciating the Sindh government for the initiative, hoped that secure residential facilities would also be ensured for ATC judges.


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