PESHAWAR(The COW News Digital) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Cabinet has approved the establishment of a provincial Witness Protection Board and two supporting units to strengthen security arrangements for witnesses involved in sensitive criminal cases, particularly terrorism-related proceedings.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, where several administrative, legal and development-related matters were reviewed and approved.
Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan said the Witness Protection Board would operate under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Witness Protection Act, 2021. The board will be responsible for developing policy guidelines, monitoring their implementation and supervising the units working under its authority.
The Witness Protection Act was introduced to provide security and protection to witnesses and other individuals associated with sensitive criminal cases, including terrorism cases where witnesses may face serious security threats.
According to the information minister, the establishment of the board and two dedicated units is required under Sections 3 and 5 of the law as well as Rule 3. The cabinet’s approval is expected to provide the institutional framework necessary for implementing the province’s witness protection mechanism.
The cabinet also approved a new government-to-government agreement for the printing and supply of vehicle registration documents under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance, 1965. Revised rates for the documents were also approved as part of the decision.
In another significant decision, the provincial government approved a special two-month remission for prisoners convicted of minor offences. Shafi Jan said a formal notification would be issued in accordance with applicable rules and previous practices.
The meeting also discussed arrangements concerning the supply and distribution of water from Galiyat to Murree. Issues including the mechanism for water distribution, applicable rates, outstanding dues and the volume of water supply were considered.
The cabinet approved a proposal to place the matter before the upcoming meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for further consideration.
Members of the cabinet were also presented with the 2025 annual performance report of the provincial ombudsman’s office. The cabinet approved the report for presentation before the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
The decisions reflect the provincial government’s focus on strengthening legal institutions, improving administrative mechanisms and addressing key public-service matters.
