Sindh Witness Protection Act, 2013 (Pakistan)
The Act, which applies to the province of Sindh in Pakistan, mandates that the Government shall establish a Witness Protection Programme for the protection and safety of witnesses in any proceeding relating to the Act, particularly during the investigation, inquiry and trial of serious offenses. The actions may include:
- Arrangements for establishing a new identity
- Concealment of identity
- Video conferencing to secure the protected person
- Relocation
- Providing accommodation
- Providing transport for the property of the witness
- Reasonable financial assistance
- Compensation to the legal heirs should the protected person be killed due to his participation in the case
- Special arrangements for security for a limited period
The protection and assistance may be terminated:
- If requested by the protected persons in writing.
- Due circumstances such as the witnesses deliberately.
- Breaching an undertaking under the witness protection program
- Engaging in conduct threatening the security or integrity of the program
- If the circumstances giving rise to the need for protection no longer exist, or the safety of the witness is no longer threatened, among others.