Islamabad: Pakistan Supreme Court, on Friday, reserved its verdict in a case challenging the setting up of controversial military courts in the country by amending the Constitution.
A 17-member bench under Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk heard the case and reserved the judgement after completion of arguments by government lawyers.
Pakistan government set up military courts through the 21st constitutional amendment in January for the speedy trial of terrorists in the aftermath of the deadly Peshawar school massacre by Taliban that killed 150 people, mostly children.
The amendment was challenged in the apex court by lawyers' association as violation of fundamental rights as given in the constitution. The court also heard the appointment of judges through 18th amendment by the parliament which was also challenged.
The apex court will decide whether it has the power to set aside constitutional amendments duly approved by the parliament. It will also decide if the parliament could approve any change in the constitution which disturbs its basic structure that guarantees a federal set up, dichotomy of powers and fundamental rights.
It is not known when the court will issue its verdict. The nine military courts are already functional and have awarded death sentence to at least six militants.
Any decision against the setting up of military courts will be considered a blow to the esteem of the military, a powerful player in Pakistan politics.
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