Pak army chief endorses death sentence of 9 more militants

Pakistan's powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif today confirmed the death sentence of nine more "hardcore terrorists" convicted by the military courts for involvement in various crimes including firing on a plane and cutting off hands of four police officials.
The death sentences were handed down by the speedy trial courts set up in the aftermath of Peshawar school terror attack of December 16, 2014, which killed over 150 people, mostly school children, to expedite punishments against people convicted under terror charges.
The army said in a statement said that "nine hardcore terrorists" whose death sentence was confirmed were involved in several acts of violence.

"They were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism including, killing of innocent civilians, slaughtering of levies officials and attacking armed forces personnel," it said.
"These terrorist also include those who fired at a PIA plane landing at Peshawar Airport which resulted in death of a lady and injuries to two other passengers.
"They were also involved in cutting off hands of four police officials," the statement added.

Fire-arms and explosives were also recovered from their possession.
Army said that these convicts were tried by military courts but the date of conviction or venue of trial was not revealed due to security reasons.

In September, Sharif has approved death sentences for seven terrorists. Earlier in August, the army chief approved the death sentences of 11 "hardcore" Taliban terrorists.