IGP Sindh reviews proposals for establishment of digital forensic laboratory

KARACHI, Jul 21 (APP): Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Javed Alam Odho on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review proposals for establishing a Digital Forensic Laboratory to strengthen the force’s investigative capabilities.

The meeting, held at the Central Police Office Karachi, was attended by the Additional IGP Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), DIGPs Headquarters, IT, Telecommunications and Transport (T&T), Training, and other senior officers.

During the meeting, the Project Director IT gave a detailed briefing on the proposed Digital Forensic Laboratory, outlining its scope, technical requirements and implementation plan.

The participants were informed that mobile phones, computers and other digital devices now constitute key evidence in around 97 per cent of investigation cases, while digital evidence is found in nearly 90 per cent of criminal cases worldwide.

The briefing highlighted that, given the growing reliance on digital evidence in criminal investigations, amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a modern in-house Digital Forensic Laboratory for Sindh Police had become essential.

Addressing the meeting, the IGP Sindh directed the Digital Forensic Laboratory Committee, headed by the Additional IG CTD, to finalise its recommendations at the earliest.

He instructed the committee to prepare a comprehensive and practical proposal covering the laboratory’s objectives, organisational structure, human resource requirements, infrastructure, modern equipment, software, training needs, legal framework and financial estimates for approval.

Javed Alam Odho said modern crimes could no longer be effectively investigated through conventional methods, stressing that advanced technology, digital evidence and scientific investigation had become indispensable for effective policing.

He said Sindh Police was taking practical steps to transform itself into a modern, technology-driven and professional police force, adding that the proposed Digital Forensic Laboratory would be a significant milestone towards achieving that vision.