Balochistan Witness Protection Act, 2016 (Pakistan)
The Act, which applies to the whole of Balochistan in Pakistan except its tribal areas, mandates the establishment of a Witness Protection Program for the protection and safety of a witness in any proceeding relating to the Act, particularly during the investigation, inquiry and trial of heinous offenses. The actions in the program may include:
- Making arrangements to allow a witness to establish a new identity or conceal identity.
- Allow videoconferencing for security.
- Relocate the witness.
- Provide accommodation.
- Provide transportation for the property of the witness.
- Reasonable financial assistance.
- Compensation for the legal heirs in case the protected person is killed due to his or her participation in the program.
- A special arrangement for the security of the witness for a reasonable period.
The protection and assistance may be terminated:
- If requested by the protected persons in writing,
- In case the witness
- Deliberately breaches an undertaking under the witness protection program,
- Engages in conduct threatening the security or integrity of the program, or
- Misleading or false information in applying for the program,
- When the circumstances giving rise to the need for protection no longer exist, or
- If the safety of the witness is no longer threatened, among others.