Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 — Section 28: Transfer of Cases

28. Transfer of Cases.− (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, 2[the Chief Justice of High Court concerned 3[on the application of any party to the proceedings” or on the application of the Federal Government or a Provincial Government] may, if he] considers it expedient so to do in the interest of justice, or where the convenience or safety of the witnesses or the safety of the accused so requires, transfer any case from one 4[Anti-terrorism Court] to another 4[Anti-terrorism Court] within or outside the area.

(4)The investigating officer or the agency to which case is transferred under sub-section (3), may proceed from the stage the inquiry or investigation was left or may proceed with the case as if it had been originally entrusted to him or the agency, as the case may be.

(5)On completion of investigation and before submission of report under section 173 of the Code, the Federal Government may direct that the case falling in the jurisdiction of a particular Anti-terrorism court may be forwarded for trial to another Anti-terrorism court anywhere in Pakistan, as may be specified by the Federal Government in this behalf, in the public interests or for the safety and protection of judges, public prosecutors or witnesses.] 1 [28A. Impounding of passport of person charge-sheeted under the Act.− Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the passport of a person, who is accused of an offence under this Act, shall be deemed to have been impounded for such period as the Court may deem fit.]