Under the Amendment Ordinance 2002, new anti-terrorist courts where the panel of judges will include one senior military officer nominated by the government, were established and came into force on 31 January 2002. This has caused concern that the independence of the judiciary, who are key defenders of human rights, would be undermined. Lawyers and courts have also called for the boycott of these courts since February 2002.

Hotline issued UA020220(4) to support the lawyers and the associations' concern for the independence of the judiciary. At the moment there is no move from the people against the courts, and the government is also quiet. The courts still exist but are not functioning.

Source:
Hotline Pakistan