Pakistani President signs anti-terror laws after parliament approval

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday signed a bill into law a day after the parliament approved tough anti-terror measures that also include establishment of military-led courts for the hearing of terrorism- related cases.

The National Assembly and the Senate passed the new laws with majority vote on Tuesday.

A Presidential spokesman said that the Presidency had received the bills late Tuesday from the Parliament's secretariat.

"The President signed the bill into law Wednesday morning," he told the media.

The Law Ministry has now officially notified the new law, official said. The military courts will work for two years and the federal government will refer the cases for hearing.

The government carried out the new legislation following Taliban's brutal killing of 140 schoolchildren and 10 of their teachers in an attack on an army-run school in Peshawar city on Dec. 16.

The military courts will put on trial members of "any terrorists groups or organizations using the name of religion or sect and raised arms or wages war against Pakistan or attacks armed forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies, or attacks any civilian or military organization in Pakistan."

Those will also face military trial who kidnap any person for ransom, store or carry explosives, fire, arms, instruments, articles, suicide jackets or vehicles designed, to be used for terrorist acts.

A person who receives or provides funding from any foreign or local sources for such illegal activities and acts or does any act to over-awe the state or any section of the public or sect or a religious minority or to create terror or insecurity in Pakistan will be punished under this act, according to the draft.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told the parliament that the military courts will try hardcore terrorists who kill innocent Pakistanis. He hoped the menace of terrorism will be eliminated in two years.

Almost all major political parties, including opposition groups, had extended unconditional support to the government to carry out the new legislation. However, two Islamic parties stayed away from the voting.

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