A Witness Statements is a document recording the evidence of a person, which is signed by that person to confirm that the contents of the statement are true. In Pakistan, the form of Witness Statements is governed by the following laws:
Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898
1. Section 157: Deals with the recording of witness statements.
2. Section 162: Prohibits the use of statements made by witnesses to the police during the investigation.
3. Section 164: Allows for the recording of witness statements under oath.
Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984
1. Article 4: Deals with the competency of witnesses to testify.
2. Article 5: Deals with the credibility of witnesses.
3. Article 6: Deals with the examination of witnesses.
Requirements for Witness Statements
1. Signature: Witness statements must be signed by the witness.
2. Oath: Witness statements must be made under oath.
3. Recording: Witness statements must be recorded in writing.
4. Translation: Witness statements must be translated into the language of the court, if necessary.
Form of Witness Statements
1. Written statement: Witness statements must be in writing.
2. Signed and dated: Witness statements must be signed and dated by the witness.
3. Stamped: Witness statements must be stamped by the court.
4. Format: Witness statements must be in a format that is easy to read and understand.
Electronic Witness Statements
1. Electronic recording: Witness statements can be recorded electronically.
2. Digital signature: Witness statements can be signed digitally.
3. Authentication: Electronic witness statements must be authenticated to ensure their integrity.
