Apex court stays execution of six ordered by military courts
Supreme Court’s order follows a petition filed by human rights’ activists
The Supreme Court yesterday suspended implementation of death sentences awarded to six convicts by military courts. A petition seeking stay of executions ordered by military courts was filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The number of executions in Pakistan since the government withdrew a moratorium on the death penalty in December has risen to 71.
Five more death row prisoners were executed in various jails in Punjab province yesterday morning. The moratorium was lifted a day after a deadly attack by militants on the Army Public School on December 16 in Peshawar, capital of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkwa province.
The executions took place in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Faisalabad. Those executed had been awarded death sentences in murder cases by civil courts at different times over the past several years.
Thousands on death row
The UN, the European Union, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged the government to reimpose the moratorium on the death penalty. Thousands convicted prisoners are on death row in various jails across the country.
Nine military courts were set up early this year for two years under intensified anti-terrorism campaign after the parliament passed 21st constitutional amendment brought up by the government for the purpose.
“The execution of military courts’ death sentences, those which have already been awarded and those which will be awarded, is suspended,” Chief Justice Nasir ul Mulk said.
Those convicted by military courts could appeal against their sentences, the chief justice said.
The apex court issued a notice to Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt and adjourned the hearing until April 22.
Human rights activist Asma Jehangir had filed the petition on behalf of the Supreme Court bar.
The petition pleads that the implementation of death sentences awarded by military courts should be halted until a 17-judge full court disposes of challenges pertaining to the 21st constitutional amendment.