Pakistan president signs anti-terror laws after parliament approval

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain Wednesday signed a bill into law a day after the parliament approved tough anti-terror measures that also include establishment of military-led courts for the hearing of terrorism-related cases.

The National Assembly and the Senate passed the new laws with majority vote Tuesday.

A presidential spokesman said the Presidency received the bills late Tuesday from the parliament's secretariat.

"The president signed the bill into law Wednesday morning," Xinhua quoted the spokesman as telling the media.

The law ministry has now officially notified the new law, the official said. The military courts will work for two years and the federal government will refer the cases for hearing.

The government carried out the new legislation following Taliban's brutal killing of over 140 students and teachers in an attack on an army-run school in Peshawar city Dec 16.

The military courts will put on trial members of "any terrorists groups or organisations using the name of religion or sect and raised arms or wages war against Pakistan or attacks armed forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies, or attacks any civilian or military organization in Pakistan".

Those will also face military trial who kidnap any person for ransom, store or carry explosives, firearms, instruments, articles, suicide jackets or vehicles designed, to be used for terrorist acts.

A person who receives or provides funding from any foreign or local sources for such illegal activities and acts or does any act to over-awe the state or any section of the public or sect or a religious minority or to create terror or insecurity in Pakistan will be punished under this act, according to the draft.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told parliament that the military courts would try hardcore terrorists who kill innocent Pakistanis. He hoped the menace of terrorism will be eliminated in two years.

Almost all major political parties, including opposition groups, had extended unconditional support to the government to carry out the new legislation. However, two Islamic parties stayed away from the voting.

The 21st amendment to the constitution would provide constitutional cover to trial of offences relating to terrorism by military courts.