1[19B Pretrial scrutiny. Before commencement of the trial, the prosecute shall scrutinize the
case file to ensure that all pretrial formalities have been completed so that the actual trial proceeds
uninterrupted from daytoday.]
20. [Punishment] Omitted by the Antiterrorism (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2001. (XXXIX of 2001), s.
10, which was previously amended by Ord. 13 of 1999, s. 2.
2[21. Protection to Judges, 3* Counsel, Public Prosecutor, witnesses and persons concerned
with court proceedings. (1) The Court may, subject to the availability or resources, makes such
necessary orders or take such measures, as it deems fit, within available resources, for the protection
of a witness, judge 2* public prosecutor, counsel and other persons concerned in court proceedings
for an offence under this Act, which may also include the following measures —
(a) proceedings may be held in camera, or under restricted entry of members of the public,
where necessary for the protection of the judge 2* witnesses or a victim’s family members
or to prevent persons from crowding or storming the court to intimidate the judge 3* or to
create a threatening atmosphere;
(b) The names of judges 3* counsel, public prosecutor, witnesses and persons concerned with
court proceedings shall not be published; and
(c) During any inquiry, investigation or court proceedings, wherever the matter of the
identification of the accused arises, adequate protection shall be provided to a witness
identifying any accused, in order to protect the identity of the witness from the accuse.
(2) For purposes of protection of the judges 3* accused, witnesses, prosecutors and defense
counsel and anyone concerned with the court proceedings, the Government may adopt such other
measures as may be appropriate or may be prescribed 2[and the Armed Forces shall also provide
comprehensive protection and security to the judges, 3* accused, witnesses, prosecutors,
investigators, defense counsel and all those concerned in the court proceedings].
1[These measures may include the following, namely:—
a.screens may be used during trial to shield witnesses, Judges and Prosecutors from public
view;
b.trial may be held in jail premises or through video link;
c.witness protection programmes may be established by the Government through law or rules.
The Provincial Government shall take necessary steps to ensure that prisoners in Jails do not have
access to mobile phones].
1 Ins. by Act VI of 2014, ss. 67.
2 Subs. by Ord. XXXIX of 2001, ss.11 and 12.
3 Omitted. by Ord. 134 of 2002, s.5.
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