Pakistan government has said it would put on trial its citizens who went to Afghanistan to fight along with the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
Defence spokesman Maj Gen. Rashid Qureshi said while each of its nationals who fought with the militia would be tried under the law of the land, the government would also not hesitate to discuss their role with US-led coalition against terrorism. He told a private television channel that the government would first make an assessment of the crimes they might have committed and would try them according to local laws.
He said it was also illegal for Pakistanis to go to Afghanistan without the government's permission. It is against the law of the land that people should cross the country's border without permission of the government and then start fighting in another country. Gen. Qureshi also said that if any of these persons were found involved in terrorism in any shape then in the capacity of being a partner of the coalition, Pakistan is bound to have discussion with its partners in this regard.
Since, we made a decision with joint consultations therefore it is certain that we would make a decision about their fate after putting heads together as to what would be done with them, He said. Hundreds of Pakistani jihadi fighters reportedly went to fight along with Taliban in the recent months and reports said Pakistan has arrested some of them after they returned.
Bureau Report