Control
of Narcotic Substances Act
(XXV OF 1997)
[7th July, 1997]
An Act to consolidate and amend the laws relating to narcotic
drugs and psychotropic substances
Preamble: Whereas it is expedient to consolidate an amend the
laws relating to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and
control the production, processing and trafficking of such drugs
and substances;
Chapter I
Preliminary
1. Short title, extent and commencement: (1) This Act may be
called the Control of Narcotic Substances Act, 1997.
(2) It extends to the whole of Pakistan.
(3) It shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions: In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant
in the subject or context,---
(a) “addict” means a person physically or mentally
dependent on any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or a
person who habitually uses narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances;
(b) “assets” means any property owned, controlled
or belonging to an accused, whether directly or indirectly, or
in the name of his spouse or relatives or associates whether within
or without Pakistan for which they cannot reasonably account;
(c) “associate”, in relation to an accused, means—
(i) any individual who is, or has, at the relevant time been residing
in the residential premises, including out houses and servant-quarters,
of an accused;
(ii) any individual who is or has, at the relevant time, been
managing the affairs or keeping the accounts of an accused,
(iii) any association of persons, body of individuals, firm or
private limited company within the meaning of Companies Ordinance,
1984(XLVII of 1984), of which an accused is, or has, at the relevant
time, been a member, partner or director;
(iv) any individual who is, or has been at the relevant time a
member, partner or director of any association of persons, body
of individuals, firm or a private limited company referred to
in sub- clause (iii);
(v) a trustee of any trust created by an accused; or
(vi) where the Special Court for reasons to be recorded, considers
that any property of an accused is held on his behalf by any other
person, such other person;
(d) “cannabis (hemp)” means—
(i) cannabis resin (charas) that is, the separated resin, whether
crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant and also includes
concentrated preparation and resin known as hashish oil or liquid
hashish;
(ii) the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding
the seed and leaves when not accompanied by the tops) from which
the resin has not been extracted, by whatever name they may be
designated or known; and
(iii) any mixture with or without neutral materials of any of
the above forms of cannabis or any drink prepared thereform;
(e) “cannabis plant” means any plant of the genus
cannabis;
(f) “coca bush” means the plant of any species of
the genus Erythroxylon;
(g) “coca derivative” means---
(i) crude cocaine, that is any extract of coca leaf which can
be used, directly or indirectly, for the manufacture or production
of cocaine;
(ii) ecgonine, that is, leavo-ecgonine having chemical formula
C9H15NO3H2O and all chemical derivatives of leavo-ecgonine including
benzoylecgonine from which it can be recovered;
(iii) cocaine, that is, methyl-benzoyl-leavo-ecogonine having
the chemical formula C17H21NO4 and its salts; and
(iv) all preparations containing more than 0.1 percent of cocaine;
(h) “coca leaf” means---
(i) the leaf of the coca bush except a leaf from which all ecgonine,
cocaine or any other ecgonine alkaloids have been removed;
(ii) any mixture thereof, with or without neutral material, but
does not include any preparation containing not more than 0.1
percent of cocaine;
(i) “controlled delivery” means the technique of allowing
illicit or suspect consignments of narcotic drugs, psychotropic
substances or chemical precursors to pass out of, through or into
Pakistan, with the knowledge and under the supervision of the
Federal Government with a view to identifying persons involved
in the commission of offences cognizable under this Act;
(k) “controlled substance” means any substance which
may be used for the production or manufacture of narcotic drugs
or psychotropic substance;
(l) “conveyance” means a conveyance of any description
whatsoever and includes, any aircraft, vehicle, vessel, railways
or animal;
(m) “Director-General” means Director-General of the
Anti-Narcotics Force or any other officer appointed by the Federal
Government to perform the duties and functions of the Director-General
under this Act; and
(n) “foreign Court” means a Court of competent jurisdiction
of a foreign country recognized by the Federal Government fro
time to time;
(o) “freezing” means prohibiting by an order made
by the Special Court or an officer authorised under this Act the
transfer, conversion, disposal or movement of any assets and includes
the holding, controlling, assuming custody or managing any assets
in pursuance of such order and, in the case of assets which are
perishable the disposal thereof;
(p) “manufacture”, in relation to narcotic drugs or
psychotropic substances, includes---
(i) all processes by which such drugs or substances may be obtained;
(ii) refining of such drugs or substances;
(iii) transformation of such drugs or substance; and
(iv) making or preparing such drugs or substance;
(q) “manufactured drug” includes—
(i) all coca derivatives, medicinal hemp, opium derivatives, cannabis
in any form and any mixture of stalks and flowering or fruiting
tops of the Indian hemp plant (cannabis sativa L.), Acetic Anhydride;
and
(ii) any other narcotic substance which the Federal Government
may, by notification in the official Gazette made in pursuance
of recommendations of any International Convention or otherwise,
declare to be a manufactured drug;
(r) “medicinal hemp” means any extract or tincture
of hemp;
(s) “narcotic drug” means coca leaf, cannabis, heroin,
opium, poppy straw and all manufactured drugs;
(t) “opium” means---
(i) poppy straw, that is to say, all parts of the poppy plant
(Papaver somniferum or any other species of Papaver) after moving,
other than the seeds;
(ii) the spontaneously coagulated juice of capsules of poppy which
has not been submitted to any manipulations other than t hose
necessary for packing and transport; and
(iii) any mixture, with or without natural materials, of any of
the above forms of opium, but does not include any preparation
containing not more than 0.2 percent of morphine;
(u) “opium derivative” includes----
(i) medicinal opium, that is, opium which has undergone the process
necessary to adapt it for medicinal use;
(ii) prepared opium, that is, any product of opium obtained by
any series of operations designed to transform opium into an extract
suitable for smoking, and the dross or other residue remaining
after opium is smoked;
(iii) morphine, that is, the principal alkaloid of opium having
the chemical formula C17H19NO3 and its salts;
(iv) diacetylmorphine, that is, the semi-synthetic substance,
also known as diamorphine or heroin, having the chemical formula
C21H23NO5 and its salts; and
(v) all preparations containing more than 0.2 percent of morphine
or containing any diacetylmorphine;
(v) “opium poppy” means the plant of the species Papaver
Somniferum L;
(w) “poppy straw” means all the parts, except the
seeds, of the opium poppy after mowing;
(x) “poppy straw concentrate” means the material obtained
after the poppy straw has been subjected to a process for the
concentration of its alkaloids;
(y) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under
this Act;
(z) “property” includes—
(i) all forms of property, whether corporeal or incorporeal, movable,
tangible or intangible, real estate or personal property of every
description;
(ii) property used to commit, or to abet the commission of , an
offence punishable under this Act;
(iii) all kinds of shares or interest in any corporate body, company,
firm, business concern, society or fund; and
(iv) all documents of title to land, goods or property wherever
situated; money or valuable security issued by the Government;
(z-a) “psychotropic substance” means the substance,
specified in the Schedule to this Act, and such substances as
the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette,
declare to be a psychotropic substance;
(z-b) “relative”, in relation to an accused, means
the spouse or any lineal descendant or the accused and includes
any other person holding property for or on his behalf;
(z-c) “Special Court” means the Special Court established
under Section 46 or any other Court empowered to exercise the
power of the Special Court under this Act; and
(z-d) “tracing” means the finding out the true nature,
source, disposition, movement or ownership of assets and includes
determining the movement or conversion of assets by any means,
and “trace” shall be construed accordingly.
3. Calculation of percentages in liquid preparation:
The Federal Government may make rules prescribing the methods
by which percentages in the case of liquid preparations shall
be calculated for the purposes of clauses (g),(h),(t) and (u)
of Section
2:
Provided that, unless and until such rules are made, such percentages
shall be calculated on the basis that a preparation containing
one percent of a substance means a preparation in which one gram
of the substance, if a solid, or one milliter of the substance,
if a liquid, is contained in every one hundred milliters of the
preparation, and so in proportion for any greater or less percentage.
Chapter II
PROHIBITION AND PUNISHMENT
4. Prohibition of cultivation of narcotic plants: No one shall
cultivate any cannabis plant, coca bush or opium poppy, or gather
any portion of a cannabis plant, coca bush or opium poppy:
Provided that the Federal Government or a Provincial Government
authorised by the Federal Government may, subject to such conditions
as it may prescribe, permit under a licence cultivation or gathering
of any such narcotic plant or any portion thereof exclusively
for medical, scientific or industrial purposes.
5. Punishment for contravention of Section 4: Whoever contravenes
the provisions of Section 4 shall be punishable with imprisonment
which may extend to seven year, or with fine, or with both.
6. Prohibition of possession of narcotic drugs, etc.:
No one shall produce, manufacture, extract, prepare, possess,
offer for sale, sell, purchase, distribute, deliver on any terms
whatsoever, transport, dispatch, any narcotic drug, psychotropic
substance or controlled substance, except for medical, scientific
or industrial purposes in the manner and subject to such conditions
as may be specified by or under this Act or any other law for
the time being in force.
7. Prohibition of import or export of narcotic drugs, etc:
(1) No one shall---
(a) import into Pakistan
(b) export from Pakistan
(c) transport within Pakistan
(d) transship,
any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
save in accordance with rules made under subsection (2) and in
accordance with the conditions of any licence, permit or authorization
for that purpose which may be required to be obtained under those
rules.
(2) The Federal Government may make rules permitting and regulating
the import into and export from Pakistan, transport within Pakistan
and transshipment of narcotic drugs, Psychotropic substance or
controlled substances, and such rules may prescribe the ports
or places at which any kind of narcotic drug, psychotropic substance
or controlled substance may be imported, exported, transported
within Pakistan or transshipped, the form and conditions of licence,
permit or authorities by which such licences, permits or authorization
may be granted, the fees that may be charged therefore, any other
matter required to have effective control of the Federal Government
over such import, export, transportation and transshipment.
8. Prohibition on trafficking or financing the trafficking of
narcotic drugs, etc: No one Shall---
(a) Organize, manage, traffic in, or finance the import, transport,
manufacturing or trafficking of, narcotic drugs, psychotropic
substances or controlled substances; or
(b) use violence or arms for committing or attempt to commit an
offence punishable under this Act.
9. Punishment for contravention of Section6, 7 and 8:
Whoever contravenes the provisions of Sections 6, 7 or 8 shall
be punishable with---
(a) imprisonment which may extend to two years, or with fine,
or with both, if the quantity of the narcotic drug, psychotropic
substance or controlled substance is one hundred grams or less;
(b) imprisonment which may extend to seven years and shall also
be liable to fine, if the quantity of the narcotic drug, psychotropic
substance or controlled substance exceeds one hundred grams but
does not exceed on kilogram;
(c) death or imprisonment for life, or imprisonment for a term
which may extend to fourteen years and shall also be liable to
fine which may be up to one million rupees, if the quantity of
narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
exceeds the limits specified in clause (b):
Provided that if the quantity exceeds ten kilograms the punishment
shall not be less than imprisonment for life.
(10) Prohibition on owning, operating premises or machinery for
manufacture of narcotic drugs, etc.:
No one shall own, manage operate or control any premises, place,
equipment or machinery for the purpose of manufacture or production
of cannabis, cocaine, opium, opium derivatives, narcotic drugs,
psychotropic substance or controlled substance save in accordance
with the conditions of a licence and payment of such fees as may
be prescribed.
(11) Punishment for contravention of Section 10:
Whoever contravenes the provision of Section 10 shall be punishable
with imprisonment which may extend to twenty-five years but shall
not be less than ten years and shall also be liable to fine which
shall not be less than one million rupees
12. Prohibition of acquisition and possession of assets derived
from narcotic offences: No one shall Knowingly—
a) Possess, acquire, use, convert, assign or transfer any assets
which have been
derived, generated or obtained, directly or indirectly, either
in his own name or in the name of his associates, relative or
any other person through an act or omission relating to narcotic
substances which constitutes an offence punishable under this
Act, the Custom Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the prohibition (Enforcement
of Head) Order, 1979 (P. O. No. 4 of 1979), or under any other
law for the time being in force or constituted an offence under
any law repealed by this Act; the control of Narcotic Substances
Ordinance, 1996 (XCIV of 1996) or any other law repealed by this
Act;
b) Hold or possess on behalf of any other person any assets referred
to in clause (a); and
c) Conceal or disguise the true nature, source, location, disposition,
movement, title, or ownership of such assets by making false declaration
in relation thereto.
13. Punishment for contravention of Section 12:
Whoever contravenes the provisions of Section 12 shall be punishable
with imprisonment, which may extend to fourteen years but shall
not be less than five years and shall also be liable to fine,
which shall not be less than the prevailing value of the assets
and such assets shall also be liable to forfeiture to the Federal
Government.
14. Prohibition on aiding, abetment or association in narcotic
offences:
(1). No one shall, within or outside Pakistan, participate in,
associate or conspire to commit, attempt to commit, aid, abet,
facilitate, incite, induce or counsel the commission of an offence
punishable under this Act.
Explanation: For the purpose of this section, a person shall be
deemed to have associated, with, conspired, aided, abetted, facilitated,
incited, induced or counseled an offence within the meaning of
this section if he does anything in a place beyond Pakistan which--
(a). Would constitute an offence as if committed within Pakistan;
or
(b). Under the laws of such other place, is an offence relating
to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or controlled substances
having all the legal or analogous conditions required to constitute
it as an offence punishable under this Act.
15. Punishment for contravention of Section 14:
Whoever participates in, associates, conspires to commit, attempts
to commit, aids, abets, facilitates, incites, induces or counsels
the commission of an offence in contravention of section 14 shall,
whether such offence be or be not committed in consequence of
such participation, association, conspiracy, aid, abetment, facilitation,
incitement, inducement or counseling, and notwithstanding anything
contained in section 116 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act XLV of
1860), be punishable with the punishment provided for the offence
or such lesser punishment as may be awarded by the Court.
16. Punishment for offence for which no punishment is provided:
Whoever contravenes any prevision of this Act or any rule or order
made, or any licence, permit or authorization issued hereunder,
for which no punishment is separately provided in this Chapter,
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend
to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees,
or with both.
17. Obstructions to officers: Whoever hinders or obstructs any
officer in the performance of his functions under this Act or
willfully furnishes to such officer any information, which is,
to his knowledge or belief, false in material particulars shall
be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term, which may
extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
18. Limit of fine, etc.: Where for any offence under this Act
no amount of minimum fine has been fixed, the Special Court shall
impose the fine keeping in view the quality and quantity of the
narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
involved in commission of such offence.
19. Forfeiture of assets of an offender: Notwithstanding anything
contained in section 13, where the Special Court finds a person
guilty of an offence punishable under this Act and sentences him
to imprisonment for a term exceeding three years, the Court shall
also order that his assets derivable from trafficking in narcotic
substances shall stand forfeited to the Federal Government unless
it is satisfied, for which the burden of proof shall rest on the
accused, that they or any part thereof, have not been spo acquired.
CHAPTER III
SEARCH AND INVESTIGATION
20. Power to issue warrants: (1). A Special Court may issue a
warrant for the arrest of any person whom it has reason to believe
to have committed an offence punishable under this Act, or for
the search, whether by day or by night, of any building, place,
premises or conveyance in which he has reason to believe any narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance in respect
of which an offence punishable under this Act has been committed
is kept or concealed.
(2). The officer to whom a search warrant under sub-section (1)
is addressed shall have all the powers of an officer acting under
section 21.
21. Power of entry, search, seizure and arrest without warrant:
(1). Where an officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector of Police
or equivalent authorized in this behalf by the Federal Government
or the Provincial Government, who from his personal knowledge
or from information given to him by any person is of opinion that
any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
in respect of which an offence punishable under this Act has been
committed is kept or concealed in any building, place, premises
or conveyance, and warrant for arrest or search cannot be obtained
against such person without affording him an opportunity for the
concealment of evidence or facility for his escape, such officer
may—
(a). Enter into any such building, place, premises or conveyance;
(b). Break open any door and remove any other obstacle to such
entry in case of resistance;
(c). Seize such narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled
substances and other materials used in the manufacture thereof
and any other article which he has reason to believe to be liable
confiscation
under this Act and any document or other article which he has
reason to believe may furnish evidence of the commission of an
offence punishable under this Act; and
(d). Detain, search and, if he thinks proper, arrest any person
whom he has reason to believe to have committed an offence punishable
under this Act.
(2). Before or immediately after taking any action under sub-section
(1), the officer referred to in that sub-section shall record
the grounds and basis of his information and immediate action
and forthwith send a copy to his immediate superior officer.
22. Power to seizure and arrest in public places: An officer authorized
under section 21 may--
(a). Seize, in any public place or in transit, any narcotic drug,
psychotropic substance or controlled substance in respect of which
he has reason to believe that an offence punishable under this
Act has been committed, and, along with such drug, substance or
any other article liable to confiscation under this Act, and any
document or other article which he has reason to believe may furnish
evidence of the commission of an offence punishable under this
Act; and
(b). Detain and search any person whom he has reason to believe
to have committed an offence punishable under this Act, and if
such person has any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled
substance in his possession and such possession appears to him
to be unlawful, arrest him.
Explanation; For the purpose of this section, the expression “public
place” includes any public conveyance, hotel, shop or any
other place intended for use by, or accessible to, the public.
23. Power to stop and search conveyance: An officer referred to
in section 19, may, if he has reason to suspect that any conveyance
is, or is about to be, used for the transport of any narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance in respect
of which he suspects that any provision of this Act has been,
or is being, or is about to be, contravened at any time, stoop
such conveyance or, in the case of an aircraft, compel it to land
and--
(a). Rummage and search the conveyance or part thereof;
(b). Examine and search any goods on or in the conveyance; or
(c). If it becomes necessary to stop the conveyance, he may use
all reasonable force for stopping it.
24. Undercover and controlled delivery operations:
(1). Subject to sub-section (2) and to any treaty, arrangement
or understanding with any foreign State to which Pakistan may
from time to time be part, the Federal Government may give approval
in writing to controlled delivery operations, for the purpose
of gathering evidence in Pakistan or elsewhere relating to the
commission of any offence against this Act or a similar law of
a foreign State.
(2). Approval may not be given under sub-section (1) unless the
Federal Government--
(a). Suspects that persons, whose identity may or may not be known,
have engaged in, are engaging in or are about to engage in, conduct
constituting an offence against this Act or a similar law of a
foreign State; and
(b). Is satisfied that the proposed operations are properly designed
to give such persons an opportunity to manifest that conduct or
provide other evidence of it.
(3). The federal Government may give approval from time to time
for a period not exceeding three months.
(4). Without limiting the generality of sub-section (1), the activities
which may be undertaken by an authorized participant in the course
of and for the purposed of a controlled delivery and undercover
operation include--
(a). Allowing any conveyance to enter or leave Pakistan;
(b). Allowing any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance, manufactured
drug, controlled substance, property or other thing in or on the
conveyance to be delivered or collected;
©. Using such force as may be reasonable in the circumstances
to enter and search the conveyance;
(d). Placing a tracking device in or on the conveyance; and
(e). Allowing any person who has possession or custody of the
narcotic drug, psychotropic substance, manufactured drug, controlled
substance, property or other thing to enter or leave Pakistan.
(5). Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force an authorized participant in an undercover
operation or a controlled delivery shall not incur any criminal
liability by taking part in it in accordance with the terms of
approval.
(6). Any drug of dependence, controlled chemical, controlled equipment
or controlled material imported into Pakistan in the course of
an approved undercover operation or controlled delivery shall
be liable to be dealt with as if it were a prohibited import for
the purposes of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969).
25. Mode of making searches and arrest: The provisions of the
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, except those of Section 103,
shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to all searches and arrests in
so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of Sections
20, 21, 22, and 23 to all warrants issued and arrests and searches
made under these sections.
26. Punishment for vexatious entry, search, seizure or arrest:
Any person empowered under section 20 or section 21 who--
(a). Without reasonable grounds of suspicion, enters or searches,
or causes to be entered or searched, any building, place, premises
or conveyance;
(b). Vexatious and unnecessarily seizes the property of any person
on the pretence of seizing or searching for any narcotic drug,
psychotropic substance, controlled substance or any other article
or document relating to any offence under this Act; and
©. Vexatious and unnecessarily detains, searches or arrests
any person,
shall be punished with imprisonment for a term, which may extend
to three years and shall also be liable, to fine, which may extend
to twenty-five thousand rupees.
27. Disposal of persons arrested and articles seized:
(1). Every person arrested and articles seized under a warrant
issued under section 20 shall be forwarded without delay to the
authority by whom the warrant was issued; and every person arrested
and article seized under section 20or section 21 shall be forwarded
without delay to--
(a). The officer-in-charge of the nearest police station;
(b). The Special Court having jurisdiction.
(2). The authority or officer to whom any person or article is
forwarded under this section shall, with all convenient dispatch,
take such measures as may be necessary under the law for the disposal
of such person or article.
28. Powers to invest officers of law enforcement agencies with
powers of an officer-in-charge of a police station: The Federal
Government may invest any officer of law enforcement agency or
any other officer within their respective jurisdiction with the
powers of an officer-in-charge of a police station for the investigation
of offence under this Act.
29. Presumption from possession of illicit articles: In trials
under this Act, it may be presumed, unless and until the contrary
is proved, that the accused has committed an offence under this
Act in respect of--
(a). Any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance;
(b). Any cannabis, coca or opium poppy plant growing on any land
which he has cultivated;
©. Any apparatus specially designed or any group of utensils
specially adapted for the production or manufacture of any narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance; or
(d). Any materials which have undergone process towards the production
or manufacture of narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled
substance or any residue left of the materials from which a narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance has been
produced or manufactured, for the possession of which he fails
to account satisfactorily.
30. Presumption as to documents in certain cases: Where in the
course of an investigation for an offence committed under this
Act or any other law for the time being in force, any document
is produced or furnished, or has been seized from the custody
or control of any person, the Special Court shall--
(a). Presume, unless the contrary is proved, that the signature
and every other part of such document which purpose to be in the
hand-writing of any particular person or which the Special Court
may reasonably assume to have been signed by, or to be in the
hand-writing of, any particular person, is in that person’s
hand-writing, and in the case of a document executed or attested,
that it was executed or attested by the person by whom it purports
to have been so executed or attested;
(b). Admit the document in evidence, notwithstanding that it is
not duly stamped, if such document is otherwise admissible in
evidence; and
©. Presume, unless the contrary is proved, the truth of the
contents of such document.
31. Power to call for information: (1). An officer authorized
under section 21 may, during the course of an enquiry in connection
with the contravention of any provision of this Act, --
(a). Call for information from any person for the purpose of satisfying
himself whether there has been any contravention of the provisions
of this Act or any rule or order made there under;
(b). Require any person to produce or deliver any document or
thing useful or relevant to the inquiry;
(c). Examine any person acquainted with the facts and circumstances
of the case; and
(d). Require any bank or financial institution, notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
to provide any information whatsoever.
32. Articles connected with narcotics: (1). Whenever any offence
has been committed which is punishable under this Act, the narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance, materials,
apparatus and utensils in respect of which, or by means of which,
such offence has been committed shall be liable to confiscation.
(2). Any narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
lawfully imported, transported, manufactured, possessed, or sold
along with, or in addition to, any narcotic drug, psychotropic
substance or controlled substance which is liable to confiscation
under sub-section (1) and the receptacles or packages, and the
vehicles, vessels and other conveyances used in carrying such
drugs and substances shall likewise be liable to confiscation:
Provide that no vehicle, vessel or other conveyance shall be liable
to confiscation unless it is proved that owner thereof knew that
the offence was being, or was to be, committed.
33. Procedure for making confiscation: (1). In the trial of offences
under this Act, whether the accused is convicted or acquitted,
the Special Court shall decide whether any article frozen or seized
in connection with such offence is liable to confiscation.
(2). Where any article seized under this Act appears to be liable
to confiscation under section 32, but the person who committed
the offence in connection therewith is not known or cannot be
found, the Special Court may inquire into and decide such liability,
and may order confiscation accordingly:
Provided further that if any such article, other than a narcotic
drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance is liable
to speedy and natural decay, or if the Special Court is of opinion
that its sale would be for the benefit of its owner, he may at
any time direct it to be sold and the provisions of this sub-section
shall, as nearly as may be practicable, apply to the net proceeds
of the sale.
(3). Any person who is not convicted under this Act and claims
any right to property which has been confiscated under sub-section
(2) may, within thirty days, apply to the Special Court for setting
aside the order of confiscation:
Provided that the period of thirty days may be extended for such
further period as may be deemed appropriate by the Court in the
event of the said person not having knowledge of the confiscation.
(4). A narcotic drug, psychotropic substance or controlled substance
seized under this Act shall be disposed of under section 516-A
of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898).
34. Federal Narcotics Testing Laboratory, etc.: (1). The Federal
Government may, as soon as may be after the commencement of this
Act, set-up a Federal Narcotic Testing Laboratory and such other
institutes and narcotics testing research laboratories or notify
any other laboratory or institute to be a Federal Narcotics Testing
Laboratory for carrying out the purposes of this Act.
(2). The Provincial Government may, wherever deems appropriate,
set-up Provincial Narcotics Testing Laboratories.
35. Government Analyst: The Federal Government or a Provincial
Government, may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint
such persons as it thinks fit, having the prescribed qualifications,
to be Federal Government Analysts or, as the case may be, Provincial
Government Analysts, for such areas and in respect of such narcotic
drugs, psychotropic substances or controlled substances as maybe
specified in the notification.
36. Reports of Government Analysts: (1). The Government Analyst
to whom a sample of any narcotic drugs, psychotropic substance
or controlled substance has been submitted for test and analysis
shall deliver to the person submitting it, a signed reporting
quadruplicate in the prescribed form and forward one copy thereof
to such authority, as maybe prescribed.
(2). Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the
time being in force, any document purporting to be a report signed
by a Government Analyst shall be admissible as evidence of the
facts stated therein without formal proof and such evidence shall,
unless rebutted, be conclusive.
CHAPTER IV
FREEZING AND FORFEITURE OF ASSETS
37. Freezing of assets, etc.: (1). Where the Special
Court trying an offence punishable under this Act is satisfied
that there appear reasonable grounds for believing that the accused
has committed such an offence, it may order the freezing of assets
of the accused, his relatives and associates.
(2). Where in the opinion of the Director-General or an officer
authorized under section 21 an offence is being or has been committed,
he may freeze the assets of such accused and within seven days
of the freezing shall place before the Court the material on basis
of which the freezing was made and further continuation of the
freezing or otherwise shall be decided by the Court
(3). The said officer shall trace, identify and freeze the assets
during the investigation or trial for the purpose of forfeiture
by the Special Court:
Provided that the Director-General, or as the case may be, the
officer freezing any asset shall, within three days, inform the
Special Court about such freezing and the Special Court shall,
after notice to the person whose assets have been frozen, by an
order in writing, confirm, rescind or vary such freezing.
38. Tracing of assets: (1). On receipt of a complaint or credible
information or where a reasonable suspicion exists about any person
that he has acquired assets through illicit involvement in narcotics,
within or without Pakistan, an officer empowered under section
21 or any other person authorized under section 37, shall proceed
to trace and identify such assets.
(2). On receipt of authenticated information from a foreign Court
of competent jurisdiction that a citizen of Pakistan has been
charged for an offence which is also an offence under this Act,
an officer empowered under section 21 or any other person authorized
under section 37 shall proceed to trace and identify the assets
of the said person, and subject to the provision of sub-section
(3) may freeze the said assets.
(3). Information about such assets shall be laid before to the
Special Court for the purpose of section 13 and section 19 in
case action under this Act or any other law for the time being
in force is initiated and in case of the person who has committed
the offence is outside Pakistan, before the High Court for the
purpose of forfeiture of assets under section 40.
(4). The actions referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2) may include
any inquiry, investigation or survey in respect of any person,
premises, place, property, conveyance, documents and books of
accounts.
39. Order for forfeiture of assets: (1). Where the Special Court
convicts an accused under section 13, or sentences him to imprisonment
for more than three years, the Director-General or an officer
authorized by him may request the said Court by an application
in writing along with a list of the assets of the convict or,
as the case may be, his associates, relatives or any other person
holding or possessing such assets on his behalf, for forfeiture
thereof.
(2). Where the Special Court is satisfied that any assets specified
in the list referred to in sub-section (1) were derived, generated
or obtained in contravention of section 12 are liable to be forfeited
under section 19, it may order that such assets shall stand forfeited
to the Federal Government:
Provided that no order under this section shall be made without
issuing a notice to show cause and providing a reasonable opportunity
of being heard to the person being affected by such order:
Provided further that if such person fails to tender any explanation
or defaults in making appearance before the Special Court on any
date appointed by it, the Special Court may proceed to record
an order ex-parte on the basis of the evidence available before
it.
(3). Where any shares in a company are forfeited to the Federal
Government under sub-section (2), notwithstanding anything contained
in the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), or any other
law for the time being in force or Articles of Association of
the Company, such shares shall be registered in the name of Federal
Government.
40. Forfeiture of assets of person convicted abroad: (1). Notwithstanding
anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
where a citizen of Pakistan is convicted by a foreign Court for
an offence which is also an offence punishable under this Act,
the Special Court may, on an application made by the Director-General
or any other officer authorized by the Federal Government, order
that the assets acquired in Pakistan by such citizen shall be
forfeited to the Federal Government.
(2). The Special Court shall presume, upon the production of any
document purporting to be a certified copy of a foreign judgment
that such judgment was pronounced by a Court of competent jurisdiction,
unless the contrary appears on the records, but such presumption
may be displaced by proving want of jurisdiction:
Provided that the judgment or order of conviction--
(a). Is passed by the foreign Court of competent jurisdiction;
(b). Has been pronounced on the merits of the case;
©. Has not been obtained by fraud;
(d). Has not been made in contravention of any law in force in
Pakistan;
(e). Has assumed finality through appeal, revision or review and
is not subjudice before any appellate forum:
Provided further no order under this section shall be made without
providing an opportunity of being heard to such citizen:
Provided also that, notwithstanding any thing contained in clauses
(a) to (e) of the first proviso, during the pendency of the application
the Court may, by an order, freeze all or any of the assets or
restrain such citizen, his associates and relatives from alienating
such assets by lease, sale, gift, transfer or in any other manner.
Explanation: For the purpose of this section, the expression “Court”
means the High Court of the Province where the assets or any part
thereof are located.
41. Prohibition of alienation of freezed property: (1). Where
any order under Section 37 or Section 40 is made for freezing
of any assets, any alienation or transfer of such assets by any
manner or mode shall, till the conclusion of the proceedings under
this Act, or until such order is vacated, be void, and if such
asset is subsequently forfeited to the Federal Government, any
such alienation or transfer of assets shall be deemed to be of
no effect whatsoever.
(2). Any person who knowingly alienates or transfers any assets
in respect whereof an order has been made under Section 37 or
Section 40 shall be guilty of an offence punishable, on conviction,
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years,
or with fine, or with both.
42. Punishment for acquiring property in relation to which proceedings
have been taken under this Act: Any person who knowingly acquires
any assets, which have been frozen under this Act, shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term, which may extend to three years
and with fine.
43. Power to take possession: (1). Where any asset is ordered
to be forfeited to the Federal Government under Section 39, the
Special Court may direct the person holding or possessing such
asset to surrender or deliver its possession to the Administrator
appointed under Section 44 or any other person authorized by the
Special Court in this behalf, with in such time as may be directed
by it.
(2). If any person refuses or fails to comply with a direction
issued under sub- section (1), the Special Court may require the
Superintendent of Police assistance to the Administrator for securing
possession thereof, and it shall be the duty of the Superintendent
of Police to comply with such requisition.
44. Management of assets frozen or forfeited under the Act: (1).
The Federal Government may, by a notification in the official
Gazette, appoint any officer of the Federal Government or a Provincial
Government as it may think fit to perform the functions of an
Administrator of the assets frozen or forfeited under this order.
(2). The Administrator appointed under sub-section (1) shall take
such actions and exercise such powers as the Federal Government
may direct for the maintenance and disposal of the assets which
are frozen or forfeited to the Federal Government.
CHAPTER V
SPECIAL COURTS
45. Jurisdiction to try offences: The Special Court established
under this Act shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to try an
offence cognizable under this Act.
46. Establishment of Special courts: (1). The Federal Government
and, if, so directed by the Federal Government, the Provincial
Government shall, by notification in the official Gazette, establish
as many Special Courts as it considers necessary and appoint a
judge for each of such Courts and where it establishes more than
one Special Court, it shall specify in notification the place
of sitting of each Special Court and the territorial limits within
which it shall exercise jurisdiction under this Act.
(2). There shall be two classes of Special Courts to try offences
under this Act, namely: --
(I). Special Courts having the power to try all offences;
(II). Special Courts having the power to try offences punishable
with imprisonment for two years or less.
(3). No person shall be appointed a Judge of a Special Court referred
to--
(I). In sub-section (2) (I) unless he is or has been a Sessions
Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge; and
(II). In sub-section (2) (II) unless he is a Judicial Magistrate
of the First class.
(4). A person shall be appointed as Judge of a special Court after
consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court of the Province
in which the Special Court is established.
(5). The Federal Government or the Provincial Government may,
in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court, confer
the powers of a Special Court referred to –
(I). In sub-section (2) (I), on any Sessions Judge or Additional
Sessions Judge;
(II). In sub-section (2) (II), on any Judicial Magistrate of the
First Class.
47. Application of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898: Except
as otherwise in this Act, the provisions of the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), hereinafter referred to as the
Code (including provisions relating to confirmation of a death
sentence) shall apply, to trials and appeals before a special
Court under this act.
48. Appeal: (1). An appeal against the order of a Special Court
comprising a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge shall
lie to the High Court and shall be heard by a Bench of not less
than two Judges of that Court.
(2). An appeal against the order of a Special Court comprising
a Judicial Magistrate shall lie to a Special Court comprising
a Sessions Judge or an Additional Sessions Judge.
49. Transfer of cases: (1) Where more Special Courts than one
are established within the territorial jurisdiction of a High
Court, the High Court may, by order in writing, transfer a case,
at any stage, from one Special Court to another Special Court,
in accordance with section 526 of the Code as if the Special Court
was a Court of Session.
(2). On the establishment of Special Courts under section 45 and
46, all cases where the sentence of an offence is two years or
less, shall stand transferred to the respective Special Court
comprising a judicial Magistrate of the First Class and all other
cases to the respective Special Courts comprising of Sessions
Judges of Additional Sessions Judges.
(3). Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, a remand
may be granted by the nearest Special Court comprising a judicial
Magistrate of the First Class.
50. Special Prosecutor: (1). The Federal Government may appoint
a person who is an advocate of a High Court to be a Special Prosecutor
on such terms and conditions as may be determined by it and any
person so appointed shall be competent to conduct proceedings
under this Act before a Special Court and, if so directed by the
Federal Government, to withdraw such proceedings.
(2). When a Special Prosecutor appointed under sub-section (1)
is, for any reason temporarily unable to conduct proceedings before
the Special Court, the proceedings shall be conducted by such
person as may be authorized in this behalf by the special Court.
51. No bail to be granted in respect of certain offences: (1).
Notwithstanding anything contained in sections 496 and 497 of
the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898 (V of 1898), bail shall not
be granted to an accused person charged with an offence under
this Act or under any other law relating to narcotics where the
offence is punishable with death.
(2). In the case of other offences punishable under this Act,
bail shall not be normally granted unless the Court is of the
security of a substantial amount.
CHAPTER VI
TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF ADDICTS
52. Registration of addicts: (1). Each Provincial Government shall
register all addicts within their respective jurisdiction for
the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
(2). The Federal Government shall bear all expenses for first
time compulsory de-toxification or de-addiction of an addict.
(3). The addict shall carry a registration card in such form as
may be prescribed and produce it to any public authority on demand.
53. Powers of the Government to establish centres for treatment
of addicts: The Provincial Government shall establish as many
centres as may be deemed necessary for de-toxification, de-addiction,
education, after-care, rehabilitation, social integration of addicts
and for supply of such medicines as are considered necessary for
the de-toxification of the addicts.
CHAPTER VII
NATIONAL FUND FOR CONTROL OF DRUG ABUSE
54. National fund for control of drug abuse: (1). The Federal
government may, by notification in the official Gazette, constitute
a Fund to be called the National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse,
hereinafter to be called the Fund, consisting of –
(a). Grants from the Federal Government or Provincial Governments;
(b). The sale proceeds of any assets forfeited under this Act
or any other law for the time being in force;
©. The sale proceeds of unserviceable commodities and vehicles
provided by the donor for narcotics control purposes;
(d). Any grants made by any person or institution; and
(e). Any income from the investment of the amounts credited to
the Fund.
(2). All receipts mentioned in sub-clauses (a) to (e) of sub-section
(1) shall be credited to a Head of Account in the Public Account
duly authorized by the Auditor-General of Pakistan.
(3). The purpose and object of the Fund shall be to meet the expenditure
incurred in connection with the control and eradication of trafficking
in, and abuse of, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled
substances, or treatment an rehabilitation of drug addicts and
for all or any of the related purposes, as may be specified by
the federal Government.
(4). The management, overall control and supervision of the affairs
of the Fund shall vest in a Governing Body consisting of a Chairman
and such other members as may be appointed by the Federal Government
by a notification in the official Gazette, on such terms and conditions
as may be prescribed.
(5). The Governing Body shall have the powers to regulate its
own procedures and co-opt members as it may deem appropriate.
55. Annual Report of the activities financed out of the fund:
The Governing Body shall, after the end of each financial year,
submit to the Federal Government a report giving an account of
its activities and the activities financed out of the Fund during
the financial year, together with a statement of accounts.
CHAPTER VIII
INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION
56. Authority to make and act on mutual legal assistance requests:
(1). This Chapter is subject to any treaty, arrangement or understanding
with foreign States to which Pakistan may from time to time be
party, and nothing in the Chapter shall be taken to limit the
nature or extent of assistance which Pakistan may otherwise lawfully
give to, or receive from foreign States.
(2). The Federal Government may ---
(a). Make request on behalf of Pakistan to the appropriate authority
of a foreign State for mutual legal assistance in any investigation
commenced, or proceeding instituted, in Pakistan relating to an
offence committed, or suspected on reasonable grounds to have
been committed under Chapter II of this Act;
(b). Grant or postpone in whole or in part similar requests from
foreign states on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit;
and
©. Refuse (in whole or in part) such requests from foreign
States on the ground that to grant the request would be likely
to prejudice the sovereignty, security, public order or other
essential public interest of Pakistan.
(3). Requests on behalf of the federal Government to the appropriate
authorities of foreign states for the assistance referred to in
sub-section (2) shall be made by the Federal Government, or an
officer authorized by the Federal Government, and requests for
any other form of international assistance in investigations or
proceedings relating to criminal matters may be made by any person
authorized by the Federal Government in this behalf.
57. Mutual legal assistance requests by Pakistan: (1). The Federal
Government or an officer authorized by the Federal Government
under sub-section (3) of section 56 may request the foreign State
to ---
(a). Have evidence taken, or documents or other articles produced;
(b). Obtain and execute search warrants or other lawful instruments
authorizing a search for things relevant to investigations or
proceedings in Pakistan believed to be located in that State,
and if found, seize them;
©. Freeze assets the subject of actions or orders under sub-section
(2) of
section 37, by whatever processes are lawfully available in that
State, to the extent to which the assets are believed on reasonable
grounds to be located in that State;
(d). Confiscate articles the subject of orders under sub-section
(2) of Section 33 and forfeit assets the subject of orders under
sub-section (2) of Section 39 to the extent to which the articles
or assets, as the case may be, are believed to be located in that
State;
(e). Transmit to Pakistan any such evidence, documents, things,
articles, assets or proceeds realized from the disposal of such
articles or assets; and
(f). Transfer in custody to Pakistan a person detained in the
foreign State who consents to assist Pakistan in the relevant
investigation or proceedings.
58. Foreign requests for assistance: (1). The Federal Government
may authorized the giving of mutual legal assistance to a foreign
State of a kind to that specified I section 57 in investigations
commenced or proceedings instituted in such State.
(2). Such requests shall ---
(a). Give the name of the authority concerned with the criminal
matter to which the request relates;
(b). Give a description of a nature of the criminal matter and
a statement setting out a summary of the relevant facts and laws;
©. Give a description of the purpose of the request and of
the nature of the assistance being sought;
(d). In the case of a request to freeze or forfeit assets believed
on reasonable grounds to be located in Pakistan, give details
of the offence, particulars of any investigation or proceedings
commenced in respect of the offence, and be accompanied by a copy
of any relevant freezing forfeiture order of the Court;
(e). Give details of any procedure that the foreign State wishes
to be followed by Pakistan in giving affect to the request, particularly
in the case of a request to take evidence;
(f). Contain a statement setting out any wishes of the foreign
State concerning any confidentiality relating to the request and
the reasons for those wishes;
(g). Give details of the period within which the foreign State
wishes the request to be complied with;
(h). State, where applicable, the grounds for believing that the
relevant assets or things to be traced, frozen or seized are located
in Pakistan; and
(i). Contain any other information that may assist in giving effect
to the request.
(3). A request may be accepted, after consultation, notwithstanding
that the request, as originally made, does not comply with sub-section
(2).
59. Foreign requests for an evidence-gathering Order or a search
warrant: (1). Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for
the time being in force, where the Federal Government approves
a request of a foreign State pursuant to section 60 to obtain
evidence in Pakistan, or be able to be given by a person believed
to
be in Pakistan, the Director-General or an officer authorized
by him may apply to the High Court for ---
(a). A search warrant; or
(b). An evidence-gathering order.
(2). The High Court to which an application is made under sub-section
(1) may issue an evidence-gathering order or a search warrant
under this sub-section, where it is satisfied that there are reasonable
grounds to believe that ---
(a). An offence has been committed, or is suspected on reasonable
grounds to have been committed against the laws of the requesting
State which, if committed in Pakistan, would have constituted
an offence under this Act;
(b). Evidence of the commission of the foreign offence or information
that would reveal the whereabouts of a person who is suspected
of committing the foreign offence is likely to be found in a building,
receptacle or place in Pakistan; and
©. In the case of an application for a search warrant, it
would not, in all the circumstances, be more appropriate to grant
an evidence-gathering order.
(3). An evidence-gathering order ---
(a). Shall provide for the manner in which the evidence is to
be obtained in order to give proper effect to the foreign request
unless prohibited under the law of Pakistan, and in particular,
may require any person named therein to:
(i). Make a record from date or make a copy of a record;
(ii). Attend Court to give evidence on oath or otherwise until
excused; and
(iii). Produce to the High Court or to any person designated by
the Court anything, including any record, or copy thereof; and
(b). May include such terms and conditions as the High Court considers
desirable, including those relating to the interests of the person
named therein or of third party.
(4). A person named in an evidence-gathering order may refuse
to answer a question or to produce a record or thing where the
refusal is based on ---
(a). A law in force in Pakistan;
(b). A privilege recognized by a law in force in the foreign State
that made the request; or
©. A law in force in the foreign State that would render
the answering of
that question or the production of that record or thing
by that person in its own jurisdiction an offence.
(5). Where a person refuses to answer a question or to produce
a record or thing under sub-section (4), the High Court shall
report the matter to the Federal Government whish shall notify
to the foreign State accordingly and request it to provide a written
statement on whether the person’s refusal was well-founded
under the law of the foreign State.
(6). Any written statement received by the Federal Government
from the foreign State in response to a request under sub-section
(5) shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the Qanun-e-Shahadat,
1984, be admissible in the evidence-gathering proceedings, and
be determinative of whether the person’s refusal is well-founded
under the foreign law.
(7). A person who, without reasonable excuse, refuses to comply
with a lawful order of the High Court made under this section,
or who having refused under sub-section (4), continues to refuse
notwithstanding the admission in evidence of a statement under
sub-section (6) to the effect that the refusal is not well-founded,
commits a contempt of the Court.
(8). The High Court may issue a warrant for the arrest of a person
named in an evidence-gathering order where it is satisfied that
the person---
(a). Did not attend or remain in attendance as required or is
about to abscond;
(b). Was personally served with the order.
(9). A person arrested in pursuance of a warrant issued under
sub-section (8) shall be forthwith brought before the High Court,
to ensure compliance with the order made under sub-section (2),
and the Court may order that the person be detained in custody
or released on recognizance, with or without sureties.
(10). A search warrant---
(a). Shall be issued in accordance with the provisions of Criminal
Procedure Code, 1898 (V of 1898);
(b). Shall specify a time and date when the High Court will hear
any representations from any person from whom, a record or thing
is
seized pursuant to the warrant, before any order is made to send
it to the foreign State; and
©. May include such terms and conditions, as the High Court
considers desirable, including conditions relating to the time
or manner of its execution.
(11). The person executing a search warrant issued under sub-section
(2)---
(a). May seize anything that he believes on reasonable grounds
will afford evidence of, or has been obtained for, or used in,
or is intended to be used in, the commission of an offence under
this Act;
(b). Shall, at least five days before the time of the hearing
to consider its execution, file in the High Court a written report
concerning the execution of the warrant, including a description
of the records or things seized.
(12). At the hearing to consider the execution of a search warrant
the High Court, after considering any representation made by the
Director-General or an officer authorized by him, or any person
from whom a record or thing was seized pursuant to the warrant,
and any person who claims to have an interest in the record or
thing, may ---
(a). Order that the record or thing be returned to the person
from whom it was seized, or to the person lawfully entitled to
its possession, if satisfied that the warrant was not executed
according to its terms and that it would be in the public interest
to so return it;
(b). In any other case, order that the record or thing be send
to the foreign State, and include in the order such terms and
conditions as the High Court considers necessary---
(i). To give effect to the request from foreign State;
(ii). With respect to the preservation and return to Pakistan
of any record or thing seized; or
(iii). With respect to the interest of a third party.
(13). No record or thing seized and ordered to be sent to a foreign
State shall be sent until the Director-General is satisfied that
the foreign State has agreed to comply with any terms or conditions
imposed in respect of the sending abroad of the record or thing.
60. Foreign requests for assistance from detained persons: (1).
Where the Federal Government approves a request of a foreign State
to have a detain person, who is serving a term of imprisonment
in Pakistan, transferred to a foreign State for a fixed period
to give evidence or assist in an investigation or proceedings
in that State relating to an offence committed, or suspected on
reasonable grounds to have been committed against the laws of
the requesting State, in respect of conduct which had it occurred
in Pakistan would have constituted an offence under this Act,
the Director-General may apply to the High Court for a transfer
order.
(2). The High Court to which an application is made under sub-section
(1) may make a transfer order where it is satisfied, having considered,
among other things, any documents filed, or information given,
in support of the application that the detained person consents
to the transfer.
(3). A transfer order made under sub-section (2)---
(a). Shall set out the name of the detained person and his place
of confinement;
(b). Shall order the person who has custody of the detained person
to deliver him into the custody of a person who is designated
in the order or who is a member of the class of persons so designated;
©. Shall order the person receiving him into custody to take
him to the foreign State and, on return of the detained person
to Pakistan, to return that person to the place of confinement
where he was when the order was made, or to such other place of
confinement as the federal Government subsequently may notify
to the foreign State;
(d). Shall state the reasons for the transfer;
(e). Shall fix the period of time at, or before the expiration
of, which the detained person must be returned or unless varied
on the application of the Federal Government for the purposes
of the request;
(f). May include such terms or conditions relating to the protection
of the interests of the detained persons as the High Court considers
desirable.
(4). The time spent in custody by a person pursuant to a transfer
order shall, so long as such person remains in such custody and
is of good behaviour, be deemed to have been spent in service
of the sentence being served when the order was made.
61. Foreign persons in Pakistan in response to a Pakistan request:
(1).The Federal Government may, by written notice, authorize the
temporary detention in Pakistan of a person in detention in a
foreign State who is transferred from that State to Pakistan pursuant
to a request under clause (f) of (1) of section 62, for such period
as may be agreed with that state for the purposes of the request,
and the return in custody of the person to the foreign State.
(2). A person in respect of whom a notice is issued under sub-section
(1) shall, so long as the notice is in force:
(a). Be permitted to enter Pakistan and remain in Pakistan for
the purpose of the request, and to leave Pakistan when no longer
required for those purposes, notwithstanding any Pakistan law
to the contrary; and
(b). While in custody in Pakistan for the purposes of the request,
be deemed to be in lawful custody.
(3). The Federal Government may at any time vary a notice under
sub-section (1), and where the foreign State requests the release
of the person from custody, either immediately or on a specified
date, the Federal Government shall direct that the person be released
from custody accordingly.
(4). The provisions of this section shall apply, mutatis mitandis,
in the case of any detained person in transit through Pakistan
from one foreign State to another pursuant to request for assistance
of the kind referred to in this section.
(5). Any person, whether or not a detained person, who is in Pakistan
in response to a Pakistan request under this Chapter to give evidence
in a proceeding or to give assistance proceeding may not, while
in Pakistan, be---
(a). Detained, prosecuted or punished; or
(b). Subjected to civil process, before the person’s departure
from the foreign State pursuant to the request in respect of any
act or omission that occurred.
62. Foreign requests for Pakistan restraining orders: (1). Notwithstanding
anything contained in any law for the time being in force, where
the Federal Government approves a request of a foreign State to
section 66 to restrain dealings in any assets, some or all of
which are believed on reasonable grounds to be located in Pakistan,
the Federal Government may apply to the High Court for a restraining
order.
(2). The High Court to which an application is made under sub-section
(1), may issued a freezing order, where it is satisfied that there
are reasonable grounds to believe that---
(a). An offence has been committed, or is suspected on reasonable
grounds to have been committed by a person against the laws of
the requesting State which, if committed in Pakistan, would have
constituted an offence under this Act;
(b). An investigation or proceeding has commenced in the foreign
State relating to that offence;
©. Assets derived by the person, his relatives and associates
from the commission of the offence are located in Pakistan; and
(d). An order has been made, or is likely to be made in the foreign
country having, to the effect of forfeiting such assets, this
ordinance shall apply as if the offence had been committed in
Pakistan, whereupon the freezing order had been made under sub-section
(2) of section 38.
63. Requests for enforcement of foreign confiscation or restraining
orders: (1). This section does not apply to cases falling with
in section 40 of this Act.
(2). Where a foreign State requests the federal Government to
make arrangements for the enforcement of a ---
(a). Foreign restraining order, or
(b). Foreign forfeiture order,
the Director-General may apply to the High Court for registration
of the orders issued by a Court of that State.
(3). The High Court shall, on application by the Director-General,
register the foreign restraining order if the Court is satisfied
that the order is in the foreign State.
(4). The High Court shall, on application by the Director-General
or an officer authorized by him, register the foreign forfeiture
order if the Court is satisfied ---
(a). The order is in force in the foreign State and is not subject
to appeal; and
(b). Where the person, the subject of the order, did not appear
in the foreign forfeiture order proceedings in the foreign State,
that ---
(i). The person was given notice of the proceedings in sufficient
time to enable him or her to defend him; or
(ii). The person died or absconded before such notice could be
given.
(5). Where a foreign restraining order or foreign forfeiture order
is registered in accordance with this section, a copy of any amendments
made in the order in the foreign State (whether before or after
registration), may be registered in the same way as the order,
but shall not have effect for the purposes of this Act until they
are so registered.
(6). The High Court shall, on application by the Director-General
or an officer authorized by him, cancel the registration of ---
(a). A foreign restraining order if it appears to the Court that
the order has ceased to have effect; and
(b). A foreign forfeiture order if it appears to the Court that
the order has been satisfied or has ceased to have effect.
(7). Subject to sub-section (8), where the foreign restraining
order or foreign forfeiture order comprises a facsimile copy of
a duly authenticated foreign order, or amendment made to such
a order, the facsimile shall be regarded for the purposes of this
Ordinance as the same are the duly authenticated foreign order.
(8). Registration effected by means of a facsimile shall cease
to have effect at the end of the period of fourteen days commencing
on the date of registration, unless a duly authenticated original
of the order has been registered by that time.
(9). Where a foreign restraining order or a foreign forfeiture
order has been registered pursuant to this section, this Act shall
be deemed to apply in relation to the order as if the offence
the subject of the order had been committed in Pakistan, and the
order had been made pursuant to Chapter IV of this Act.
64. Requests to recover foreign fines: (1). Where the Federal
Government approves a request from a foreign State to enforce
the payment of a fine imposed by a Court of that State, a Court
in Pakistan shall enforce the payment of the fine as if the fine
as been imposed by a Court in Pakistan.
Explanation: For the purpose of this section the expression “fine”
shall include any pecuniary penalty determined by a foreign Court
to represent the value of any property, benefit, advantage, obtained
or derived directly or immediately as a result of the commission
of an offence relating to narcotic substance.
(2). No proceedings under sub-section (1) shall be instituted
after the expiry of five years from the date the fine was imposed.
65. Sharing forfeited property with foreign States: The Federal
Government may enter into an arrangement with the competent authorities
of a foreign State for the reciprocal sharing with that state
of which part of any property realized pursuant to this Act ---
(a). In the foreign State, as a result of action taken by the
Federal Government;
(b). In Pakistan, as a result of action taken in Pakistan, on
such terms and conditions as the Federal Government may prescribe.
66. Extradition: Notwithstanding anything contained in the Extradition
Act, 1972 (XXI of 1972), all offences against Chapter II of this
Act shall be deemed to ---
(a). Be extraditable offences; and
(b). Not be political offences.
CHAPTER IX
GENERAL
67. Reporting of suspicious financial transaction: (1). Notwithstanding
anything contained in any law for the time being in force, all
banks and financial institutions shall pay special attention to
all unusual patterns of transactions, which have no apparent economic
or lawful purpose and upon suspicion that such transactions could
constitutes or be related to illicit narcotics activities, the
manager or director of such financial institution shall report
the suspicious transactions to the Director-General.
(2). Whoever fails to supply the information in accordance with
sub-section (1) shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment
which may extend to three years, or with both.
68. Presumption to the assets acquired through dealing in narcotics:
Where there is reasonable ground to believe that the assets of
a person or any part thereof were acquired before or at the time
of, or after the commission of an offence under this Act and there
was no other likely source of acquiring such assets or part thereof,
it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is proved, that such
assets or part thereof were acquired, generated or obtained through
cultivation, manufacture, production, sale, purchase, dealing
or trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or controlled
substances.
69. Departments to render assistance to the Special Courts, etc.:
All departments of the Government, banks, financial institutions,
corporate bodies, companies, societies and agencies shall assist
the Special Court, Director-General or any other officer authorized
by the Federal Government for the purposes of any inquiry, tracing
of any assets or for ascertaining whether any assets held by any
person, his associate or relative were acquired by committing
any offence under this Act.
70. Notice or order not to be invalid for error in description:
No notice issued, or order passed, under this Act shall be invalid
by reason of any error in the description of the person or assets
specified therein if such person or assets are otherwise identifiable
from the description specified in such notice or order.
71. Delegation: (1). The Federal Government may, by notification
in the official Gazette and subject to such conditions and limitations
as may be specified in the notification, delegate all or any of
its powers and functions under this Act as it may deem necessary
or expedient to the Provincial Government, Director-General or
any other authority or officer of the Federal Government.
(2). The Provincial Government may, by notification in the official
Gazette, subject to such conditions and limitations as may be
specified in the notification, delegate all or any of its powers
and functions under this Act as it may deem necessary or expedient,
to any authority or officer of that Government.
72. Application of the Customs Act, 1969: All prohibitions and
restrictions imposed by or under this Ordinance on the import
into, export from, Pakistan and transshipment of narcotic drugs,
psychotropic substances or controlled substances shall be deemed
to be prohibitions and restrictions imposed by or under the Customs
Act, 1969 (IV of1969), and the provisions of this Act shall apply
accordingly;
Provided that, notwithstanding anything contained in the Custom
Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), or any other law for the time being in
force, all offences relating to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances
or controlled substances shall be tried under the provisions of
this Act:
Provided further that where the Officers of Customs apprehends
a person involved in any offence relating to narcotic drugs, psychotropic
substances or controlled substances shall be empowered to carry
out inquiry and investigation in the same manner as an officer
authorized under this Act.
73. Saving of Provincial and special laws: (1). Nothing contained
in this Act or in the rules made thereunder shall affect the validity
of any Federal or Provincial law for the time being in force,
or of any rule made thereunder which imposes any restriction or
provides for a punishment not imposed by or provided for under
this Act or imposes a restriction or provides for a punishment
greater in degree than a corresponding restriction imposed by
or a corresponding punishment provided for by or under this Act
for the cultivation of cannabis plant or consumption of, or traffic
in, any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance within Pakistan
or other similar matters.
74. Application of other laws: If an offence punishable under
this Act, is also an offence in any other law for the time being
in force, nothing in that law shall prevent the offender from
being punished under this Act:
Provided that nothing contained in section 523 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898), or any other provision
of the said Code or any other law for time being in force, the
custody of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled
substances, any material utensils used for production or manufacture
of such drugs or substances or any conveyance used in import,
export, transport or transshipment thereof or for commission of
an offence under this Act, shall not be given on custody to the
accused or any of his associate or relative or any private individual
till the conclusion of the case.
75. Indemnity: No suit, prosecution or other proceedings shall
lie against the Federal Government or Provincial Government or
any officer of the Federal Government or of a Provincial Government
for anything in good faith, done or intended to be done in pursuance
of this Act or the rules made thereunder.
76. Ordinance to override other laws: The provisions of this Act
shall have effect notwithstanding anything contained in any other
law for the time being in force.
77. Power to make rules: (1). The Federal Government may, by notification
in the official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes
of this Act.
(2). In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of
the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of
the following matters, namely:-
(a). The administration, management and disposal of the property
forfeited under this Act; and
(b). Terms and conditions of Special Prosecutors.
78. Repeal and saving: (1). The Opium Act, 1857 (XIII of 1857),
the Opium Act, 1878 (I of 1878), the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930
(II of 1930), and the Control of Narcotic Substances Ordinance,
1997 (XLIII of 1997), are hereby repealed.
(2). Notwithstanding the repeal of any law under sub-section (1),
the repeal shall not, except as otherwise provided in this Act,---
(a). Affect the previous law or anything duly done or suffered
thereunder
(b). Affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired,
accrued under such law;
(c). Affect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in
respect of any offence committed against such law;
(d). Affect any investigation, legal proceedings or remedy in
respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty,
forfeiture or punishment; and
(e). Affect any such investigation, legal proceedings or remedy
may be instituted, continued or enforced or any such penalty,
forfeiture or punishment which may be imposed, by the Courts or
authorities competent to investigate, try an offence under such
law if the said law had not been repealed.
Manual of Drug Laws