PESHAWAR, March 17: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government seriously wants the anti-terrorism law to be amended to empower district and session judges, and the additional session judges, to hear terrorism-related cases but needs federal government's support to make it a reality for ensuring speedy justice, according to the Provincial Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Barrister Arshad Abdullah.

“The provincial government needs immediate support of the federal government in legislation for the purpose,” stated the minister in the 'Guest Hour Programme' of Peshawar Press Club on Thursday.

He said the provincial government had forwarded recommendations to the Senate standing committee for making terrorism laws more effective. After the amendments, the statement made by an accused in the presence of a district police officer, or any such senior officer, would be admissible for awarding punishment.To strengthen the legal system the number of judges will be increased and they will be provided maximum facilities, Mr Abdullah said and added that protection of lawyers arguing against terrorists would be ensured and their fee enhanced.

He said that about 98 per cent of the accused arrested under terrorism charges were acquitted due to non-existence of insurgency laws and loopholes in anti-terrorism law. He said that the amendments in existing terrorism laws would pave the way for exemplary punishment to elements found guilty of terrorism, militancy and insurgency.

Mr Abdullah said that some 600 cases had been registered during the insurgency in Malakand division and each FIR carried names of average four accused. He said that trial of 28 accused was held so far and 25 of them had been set free. However, the minister said that he was unaware about the number of accused arrested on charges of terrorism and those in the custody of the law-enforcement agencies.

He claimed that establishment of the Darul Qaza at Swat was the achievement of his government where people would be able to get easy justice at their doorstep.

About reports of corruption, he said that the government had established the office of provincial ombudsman to check maladministration. He said that the provincial government was taking steps for the betterment of people.

The law minister said that some 37 ordinances had been promulgated and 38 acts passed during the last three years, which was an ample proof of the ANP-led government's good performance. He stressed the need that media should support the government and highlight the issues in a positive manner.

Answering a question about Raymond Davis, Mr Abdullah said that blaming the government for release of the US national was not appropriate. He said Mr Davis was set free by the court after he was pardoned by the legal heirs of victims.

He said that protest demonstrations against the release of Mr Davis would serve no purpose, but increase problems. However, he admitted that people of Pakistan wanted to know details of the whole episode of Mr Davis' release.