Pakistan plans to execute 500 terror convicts, officials say

Following the school massacre by the Taliban, Pakistan plans to execute about 500 militants in coming weeks after the government lifted a moratorium on the death penalty in terror cases.

Six militants were hanged since Friday amid rising public anger over the slaughter which left 149 people dead including 133 children.

After the deadliest terror attack in Pakistani history, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ended the six-year moratorium on the death penalty, reinstating it for terrorism-related cases.

The Interior ministry has finalized the cases of 500 convicts who have exhausted all the appeals, and their mercy petitions have been turned down by the president.

Their executions will take place in coming weeks.

News 24