Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif calls for decisive action against militancy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said the time had come for action against militants as the country's main political leaders met for a second time to forge a consensus over the establishment of military courts for the speedy trial of terror suspects.

"There is no room for further debate in the Parliament. It is time for action against militants. Already a lot of discussion has been held on it," said Sharif while addressing a multi-party meeting at his house.

The meeting is held to form a consensus for creation of courts officiated and controlled by military officers.

Army chief General Raheel Sharif and ISI chief Rizwan Akhtar are also attending the meeting as army increased pressure on leaders to act fast for creation of military courts.

According to a tweet posted by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesman Major Asim Bajwa, Raheel said during the meeting that special courts were not desired by the army but were needed due to extraordinary times.

"Spec courts not desire of the Army but need of extraordinary times. Will return to original system when normalcy returns," Bajwa tweeted.

Sharif in his opening speech said he would try to create consensus among the leaders.

It is the second meeting of parties after a similar meeting last month continued for 11 hours and finally agreed to set up military courts.

But soon differences cropped up over how to create them. Major parties likes Pakistan People's Party want to do so by amending the Army Act but government wants to amend the constitution.

Sharif also said that adequate debate has taken place on the National Action Plan (NAP) to deal with militancy which also suggested speedy trial of militants.

He said all political parties had played a major role in preparation of the NAP for countering terrorism in the country.

Apart from Pakistan People's Party, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has reservations about the military courts.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari, Khan and other key leaders are attending the meeting.