PM Nawaz wants 'speedy' trial of terrorists
23 November, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday stressed the need for speedy justice in the country and said that all cases, particularly those related to terrorism, should be heard and decided within 14 days.
Addressing participants of 'Vision 2025 - Stakeholders Conference', he said there must not be any bail for those who were involved in cases of heinous crimes.
The prime minister regretted that court cases in the country drag on for decades, denying justice and causing suffering for people. He said that judges could wear masks and hold trial of terrorists through video link.
"It is my sincere wish to make Pakistan a citadel of peace where its citizens feel secure and there are no threats to life and property."
Nawaz also regretted misuse use of loudspeakers at worship places as it fanned extremism, sectarianism and terrorism. He said that misuse of loudspeakers must be stopped and steps should be taken against hate speech.
"All the four provinces need to take strict measures and if there is need they must undertake necessary legislation in this regard," the prime minister said. He added that if all provinces award exemplary punishment to those responsible for fanning sectarianism, the situation could improve significantly.
Nawaz said averting sectarianism and countering terrorism was vital for Pakistan as the country's very existence depended on it. He said Pakistan was currently at the lowest tier in terms of security issues and extraordinary measures were needed to bring peace at all costs.
"If needed we will take revolutionary steps to bring peace to Pakistan." the prime minister said.
He said his government would not indulge in any politics on issues of national importance, including economy and security, and it would work selflessly to remove all the ills afflicting the country.
"Our vision aims at building a strong, enlightened, prosperous, and peaceful Pakistan that ensures a sustained improvement in the quality of life of all of its citizens."
The prime minister said that measures were afoot to put an end to load shedding permanently. He also mentioned major projects that would generate an additional 17,000MW of electricity to help meet the country's industrial and domestic needs.
He said work on Diamer-Bhasha and Bunji dams would be taken up by his government. He said that he would also perform groundbreaking of a civil nuclear power plant in Karachi in collaboration with China on November 26.
He said the government has initiated a scheme to grant loans to the youth – half of which would be awarded to women only. He asked women to explore new fields in order to generate income.
He said that in the past, loans were only reserved for those who were in power; however, now these have been offered to the poor as well as educated youth.
Over 1,000 professionals and experts from public and private sectors, business community, politicians, members of civil society, academia and media professionals attended the conference, convened to address challenges facing the country's economy.
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