Sindh Police to establish ‘Witness Protection Unit’

Recently, a key witness in the murder case of Sabeen Mahmud was shot dead

KARACHI: The Sindh police have finally decided to implement the law for the protection of witnesses, particularly those involved in high-profile cases of terrorism and crime.

Realising the need for a witness protection programme, efforts are underway since last several years for its implementation, particularly in Karachi. The Sindh Assembly has also passed a bill in this regard but its implementation is still pending.

Recently, a key-witness in one of the most high-profile cases of terrorism was shot dead in an act of target killing. Ghulam Abbas, who lived in Korangi and was a driver of Sabeen Mahmud, the slain director and founder of The Second Floor (T2F) café, was one of the two main witnesses in the cases, who had also identified the suspect already arrested by the police.

On Wednesday, a meeting chaired by Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Hyder Jamali was held at the Central Police Office, with a number of senior police officials, including Traffic Police AIG, Counter-Terrorism Department AIG and Karachi AIG, in attendance.

A Sindh police spokesperson said that the officials discussed ways and means to ensure implementation of the Witnesses Protection Act. CTD AIG Sanaullah Abbasi briefly explained the salient features of the Act and highlighted its importance in the existing scenario.

“It was decided to establish a Witness Protection Unit (WPU) to be headed by CTD AIG, as required under the Act,” said the spokesperson. The meeting also decided to approach the provincial home department to formalise the physical establishment of the WPU.

“Till the physical functioning of the WPU, it is imperative to convey to the Karachi AIG and deputy inspector generals of all ranges to ensure protection for witnesses,” directed the IG. Jamali also constituted a committee, headed by CTD AIG, to frame rules for the working of the WPU at the earliest.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2015.