Khyber Pakthunkhwa Law Minister, Barrister Arshad Abullah said Thursday that accusing government on release of US national Raymond Davis is not appropriate as he was set free by the court after the grant of pardon by the legal heirs of victims.
Talking to reporters after addressing a press conference here, the Minister said Pakistani laws are clear on the issue and the US national was released after he was pardoned by victims legal heirs. The demonstrations by public in some areas against release of Davis release would serve nothing but rather increase problems. However, he said people want to know details of the Davis releases.
To a question about arrest of militants during Malakand Operation, he said, about 600 to 650 FIRs were registered against accused with nomination of three to four outlaws in each FIR. He said trial of 28 accused was held out of whom 25 were set free. The Law Minister said most of the accused were acquitted due to unavailability of insurgency laws and loopholes in antiterrorism laws.
He suggested amendments in existing Terrorism Laws to give exemplary punishment to elements, found guilty of terrorism, militancy and insurgency. However, Abdullah said that he was unaware about the number of accused arrested on charges of terrorism and in the custody of law enforcement agencies. Arshad said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has forwarded recommendations and suggestions to Senate Standing Committee for making terrorism laws more effective.
He said the provincial government has done record legislation during last three days and Provincial Ombudsman office was set up to address problems of people related to government departments. Darul Qaza was set up in Malakand Division and Peshawar High Court has been approached to nominate judges for it. The appointment of Assistant Advocate General and Deputy Advocate General for Darul Qaza at Swat was also made, he maintained.
To another question, he said, Circuit Bench of Peshawar High Court is being established in Bannu and the concerned departments have been directed to select suitable building at appropriate place for it. To another questions about pending cases, he said, number of judges need to be increased to address it.
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