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ACT IV OF 2016 ACT IV OF 2016 BALOCHISTAN WITNESS PROTECTION ACT, 2016 An Act to provide for protection of witnesses to enable them to give evidence in criminal proceedings in the Province of Balochistan [Gazette of Balochistan Extraordinary, 5th April, 2016] No. PAB/Legis:V(25)/2016, dated 5.4.2016.---The Balochistan Witness Protection Bill, 2015 (Bill No 25 of 2015) having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on 26th March 2016 and assented by the Governor, Balochistan on 29th March 2016 is hereby published as an Act of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. Preamble.---WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for protection of witnesses to enable them to give evidence in criminal proceedings in the Province of Balochistan and for matters ancillary thereto; It is hereby enacted as follows: 4. Witness Protection Program.---(1) As soon as after the commencement of this Act, Government shall establish a Witness Protection Program for protection and safety of a witness in any proceedings relating to this Act. (2) The actions in the Program may include the following:- (a) making arrangements necessary (i) to allow the witness to establish a new identity; (ii) to allow the witness to conceal his or her identity by wearing a mask, changing his or her voice, appearance or any other form of segregation during the investigation or trial, or examination under the law; (iii) to allow video conferencing in order to secure the protected person; provided that such arrangements are approved by the concerned authority under this Act; or (iv) to protect the witness otherwise; (b) relocating the witness; (c) providing accommodation for the witness; (d) providing transport for the property of the witness; (e) providing reasonable financial assistance to the witness, whenever practicable, for obtaining a means of livelihood; (f) providing compensation to the legal heirs, if the protected person is killed due to his participation in the Program, in case of death or permanent incapacity of the protected person during his protection, providing free education to his or her dependent minors; (g) making special arrangements for security of witness for reasonable period of time; (h) the above mentioned protection and facilities will also be provided to the family members of the witness if he or she demanded.