Balochistan Committee Reviews Key Amendments to Witness Protection Law

Quetta: A meeting of the Standing Committee on Interior of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly was held under the chairmanship of committee member Khair Jan Baloch, where significant amendments to the Witness Protection Act were discussed in detail.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Interior Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove, Asghar Ali Tareen, Ali Madad Jattak, Secretary Assembly Tahir Shah Kakakhel, DIG CTD Aitazaz Ahmad Goraya, and other relevant officials.
During the session, detailed deliberations were held on the Balochistan Witness Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026. The committee emphasized the need to address practical and administrative shortcomings in the implementation of the 2016 Act.
Officials stated that the proposed amendments aim to align the law with current legal requirements and international best practices. Under the revised framework, serious crimes have been defined as offences carrying punishments of seven years or more, allowing resources to be focused on high-risk cases.
The definition of a witness has also been expanded to include victims and complainants, making the law more comprehensive. New provisions have been introduced for protecting witnesses from threats, including the ability to change identity details and ensure secure recording of testimonies.
Institutional reforms were also proposed, including the reconstitution of the Witness Protection Advisory Board and the establishment of sub-units at the local level to improve accessibility and efficiency.
The committee expressed hope that these reforms will strengthen the witness protection system in Balochistan and enhance transparency, ultimately increasing public confidence in the justice system and rule of law.