KP cabinet approves witness protection board

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet approved the formation of a Witness Protection Board and two units on Saturday under the Witness Protection Act of 2021. Chief Minister Sohail Afridi chaired the meeting, attended by provincial ministers and administrative secretaries. The Witness Protection Board will create policy guidelines, oversee implementation, and supervise unit performance, according to Provincial Information Minister Shafi Jan.

The bill aims to safeguard witnesses and individuals involved in sensitive criminal proceedings, including terrorism cases. The cabinet also authorized a new government contract for vehicle registration documents, with updated rates, under the Motor Vehicles Ordinance of 1965. Additionally, the cabinet granted two months of special remission to eligible convicted prisoners in a pending case, with an official notification to follow.

The issue of water distribution between Galiyat and Murree was brought before the cabinet, along with a proposal to raise it at the Council of Common Interest. The cabinet accepted Afridi's concern over the federal government's continuous increase in petroleum prices, which is straining low-income households. Afridi criticized Punjab's Chief Minister for placing personal interests over national ones, accusing his statements of undermining Pakistan's integrity.

He also condemned other federal ministers' disparaging remarks about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing worry about the province's future and its place within the country. Afridi warned that discriminatory treatment of smaller provinces could deepen mistrust and provoke resentment, which is detrimental to the nation and its institutions.