Two ‘terrorists’ sentenced by military courts were executed on Wednesday, said a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The ISPR statement added that the convicted terrorists were involved in the Army Public School massacre and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
The convicts had admitted to their offences before the magistrate and the trial court, ISPR said.
Details of the convicts
Atta Ullah – The convict was an active member of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He was involved in attacking law enforcement agency personnel which resulted in deaths of several soldiers and injuries to an officer and a soldier. He was also in possession of firearms and explosives.
Taj Muhammad – The convict was an active TTP member. He was involved in attacking the armed forces of Pakistan and harbouring suicidal bombers, who were later used in the attack on Army Public School Peshawar.
The 21st Amendment under which military tribunals were established expired in January 2017 after a two-year sunset clause contained in the legislation took effect.
Lawmakers of major political parties on February 28 announced that they had agreed to reinstate military courts for another two years.
Military courts have been an issue of conflict between the government and the opposition. The primary concern of critics is the mystery surrounding military court trials: no-one knows who the convicts are, what charges have been brought against them, or what the accused’s defence is against the allegations levelled.
Supporters say military courts have ‘reign in’ terror attacks in the country and serve as an effective ‘deterrent’.
