Pak Supreme Court stays executions by military courts

Pakistan Supreme Court today stayed the execution of all six "hard core" militants convicted by newly established military courts after concerns were raised over its fairness and the extent of military powers exercised by them.
The Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on April 2 had endorsed the death sentence to six militants and life term to one but the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) yesterday filed a petition seeking to halt the implementation of sentences.
The life sentence of the convict has also been stayed by the apex court.
"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.

The apex court also issued a notice to Attorney General Salman Aslam Butt and adjourned the hearing till April 22.
Pakistan set up special military courts for speedy trial of militants but SCBA challenged the laws establishing the military courts, saying it violated constitution of the country.

In the petition challenging the executions, the human rights activist Asma Jehangir requested the Supreme Court to stay death sentences until the court decided the fate the 21st constitutional amendment which set up military courts.
Nine military courts were established in January, after militants attacked a school in Peshawar, killing 150 people, mostly children.

Over 60 people have been executed since then, after being convicted by civilian courts.
The new courts expanded the military's powers, giving it the authority to try civilians accused of terrorism.