Pakistan top army leadership lauds military courts

Islamabad, Jan 10 (IANS) Pakistans top military leadership on Tuesday lauded the key role of military courts in the reduction of militancy and terrorism across the country.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), top military commanders at a meeting observed that the military courts performed well during the prescribed duration, which resulted in reduction of terrorism.

The sentiments were expressed at a Corps Commanders' conference at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired the meeting.

The military courts were established in the aftermath of the Tehreek-e-Taliban attack in December 2014 on Peshawar's Army Public School, in which 153 -- nearly all of them children, mostly of the armed forces officers -- were killed.

"The forum took comprehensive review of security environment and operational preparedness of the Army," the ISPR said in a statement.

The commanders expressed satisfaction on progress of the continuing military offensive against militants, Operation Zarb-e-Azb, and its "positive effects on internal security".

General Bajwa directed the military authorities to continue the counter-terror operations and bring stability into the already cleared areas. "He also directed to intensify efforts for return of temporarily displaced persons."

The commanders also congratulated the army's strategic organisations on successful testing of Pakistan's first nuclear-capable submarine-launched missile Babur-III besides reiterating the resolve to "be prepared to respond to all types of threats" to the country's security.

"Army will continue to render full support to all state institutions working for national security," Gen. Bajwa was quoted as saying.