Pakistan - Misuse of military courts will not be allowed, vows Zardari

We don't understand difference between good... by dawn-news

Speaking at the Bhutto mausoleum to mark Benazir Bhutto's death anniversary on Saturday, former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari vowed that the misuse of military courts will not be allowed.

He said the PPP will only accept military courts when it is proven that they are not being used politically. On the other hand, Zardari admitted that there is a need for military courts under the prevailing situation in the country.

The PPP co-chairman was referring to the current law and order situation emerged against the backdrop of deadly Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar that killed 150 people, mostly children.

"We will support military courts when we are sure they will not be used against a democratic party, a journalist or an intellect," said Zardari.

While commenting on the Peshawar school attack, he claimed that if notice was taken when 450 PPP workers were killed in 2007 during General Musharraf's regime, the massacre at Army Public School would not have occurred. He added that the operation against terrorism should have been initiated back then.

Zardari also stated that the party does not understand where the difference between 'good Taliban' and 'bad Taliban' lies.

"We need to know who we are fighting against, ever since Ziaul Haq's regime fighting is all we have done and we will not be afraid of any evil forces," Zardari added. "We will continue fight for the rights and for this country to make it powerful so that the future generations can live in improved times."

While dismissing reports of his differences with his son due to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's absence at the congregation, Zardari explained that rumours are being circulated by competitors.

Previously at the gathering, PPP party leaders explained that due to poor health Bilawal was advised against travelling by doctors, which is why he was out of the country. Security threats were also cited for Bilawal's unexpected absence at his mother's death anniversary.