Pak approves special courts for speedy trial of terror suspects

The Pakistan government has approved the establishment of special courts for speedy trial of terror suspects.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif presided over the Federal Cabinet meeting in Islamabad and approved certain counter-terrorism measures as part of his new national security policy.

The current anti-terrorism act will be amended to curb the menace of terrorism and give more investigation powers to paramilitary forces.

Legal experts said accused terrorists are usually acquitted by courts due to lack of witnesses as people are reluctant to become witness in wake of life threats.

The amendments also proposed a three-month period for detention of the suspects, instead of the current one-month, to give interrogators more time before they appear in courts.

Electronic evidences will also be accepted now in cases of terrorism.

Officials said the government will also reactivate the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) that would serve as a focal point for internal security policy.