REFORMING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: THE CRITICAL NEED FOR WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAMS IN PAKISTAN RESEARCHER

Abstract

Witnesses play a crucial part in the initiation of any legal trial, and their absence causes barriers in providing justice and ensuring a fair trial. Witnesses are seen as the eyes and ears of justice. Witness protection is necessary as, without such safeguarding and protection, the witnesses feel threatened and fear appearing in the court and testifying, resulting in the failure of justice being compromised and the true accused being acquitted. In Pakistan, Witness protection programs are considered vital as these ensure efficacy and adequacy in the criminal justice system. Firstly, the researcher has analyzed the legal frameworks at the national and provincial levels surrounding the implementation of witness protection. Secondly, this research has explored the challenges confronted by the witnesses during the criminal trial, which are essential to be solved for ensuring the fairness of the trial and sustaining justice. Thirdly, this research study shall assess some of the witness protection programs around the globe and shall assess standards and practices implemented internationally to protect witnesses. Finally, the researcher has suggested recommendations to strengthen the application of witness protection legal frameworks, taking into account the international standards and practices. Doctrinal research methodology has been employed by the researcher to conduct this research study. The researcher has gathered the data from articles, case laws, research journals, legal frameworks, and content from different online sources.