Set up special courts to try terrorists: PM Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan to set up special courts to try persons arrested for the gruesome killing of 10 foreign climbers at the Nanga Parbat base camp.

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday directed authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan to set up special courts to try persons arrested for the gruesome killing of 10 foreign climbers at the Nanga Parbat base camp.

The government of the region should also appoint special judges to try those arrested for the killings in June.

The special courts will hold quick hearings to decide such cases, said Sharif, who was in Gilgit to chair the budget session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council.

The Council adopted the Pakistan Protection Bill for speedy trial of those involved in killing the foreign climbers and their local guide. The law will also be used to counter crimes like kidnapping for ransom and sectarian killings.

The bill was adopted on the directions of Sharif, who chaired the Council's meeting that passed a budget of Rs 826.602 million. It also adopted 26 bills on different subjects, said a statement from the premier's office.

Days after killing the foreign climbers, terrorists gunned down a colonel, a captain and a senior police officer who were investigating the attack.

Addressing the Council, Sharif lauded authorities for arresting 11 persons for the killings, including the alleged mastermind of the attack.

The chief secretary informed the meeting that seven of the 18 terrorists involved in the attack were yet to be traced.

Sharif said the Pakistan Protection Law will ensure the speedy trial of persons involved in serious offences like terrorism and sectarian killings. He asked the local government to use the law to set up special courts.

The new law allows judges of special courts to wear masks and provides for inter-provincial transfer of prisoners.

The findings of joint investigation teams will be admissible in the special courts, whose decisions can be challenged only in the Supreme Court, he said.

Sharif directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government to raise a modern anti-terror force, which should be trained in latest techniques to fight terrorism and provided the best weapons.

The force can provide jobs to hundreds of local youths and enhance security along the Karakoram Highway, he said.

This was Sharif's first visit to Gilgit since he assumed office in June. It was also the first time a premier chaired a session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council within the region.

The premier expressed his resentment at the slow acquisition of land for the Diamer Bhasha dam and said this task should be completed by December. He directed the concerned minister to release funds for this purpose.