National Forensic Agency to serve as centre of excellence for forensic science in Pakistan: Tarar

ISLAMABAD, Sep 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday said the National Forensic Agency (NFA) would serve as a centre of excellence for forensic science in Pakistan and provide support to other laboratories and relevant government institutions.

The minister expressed these views during his visit to the National Forensic Agency, where he was given a detailed briefing on various departments, laboratories and forensic investigation procedures.

He said modern technology had transformed the dynamics of crime investigation, while forensic evidence was playing a fundamental role in identifying crimes, effective prosecution and securing convictions. He added that forensic science was of particular importance in the fight against terrorism.

The minister was informed that the National Forensic Agency was established on December 24, 2024 under the National Forensic Agency Act, 2024. It is the country’s central federal forensic institution and provides scientific forensic services to law enforcement agencies, prosecution and courts.

The briefing highlighted that 11 forensic laboratories of the NFA were operational and notified, while Centres of Excellence for Digital Forensics and Explosive Forensics had also been established.

The Digital Forensics Laboratory had received 2,506 cases, of which 2,158 had been completed, while 3,090 digital devices had been processed. The Chemical and Biological Forensics Laboratories had received 1,525 cases, with 1,044 cases completed.

The minister was also informed that a National Bomb Explosion and Investigation System had been established under the Explosive Forensics Centre of Excellence.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar appreciated Director General Jawad Ahmad Dogar and the NFA staff for making the agency operational within a short period.

He said forensic analysis could help determine the source of explosives and weapons used in crimes, while modern forensic capabilities were playing a key role in investigation, prosecution and securing convictions.

The federal minister said the NFA would work as a centre of excellence for forensic science in Pakistan and extend support to other laboratories and relevant government institutions.

He said online fraud, data leaks and cybercrimes were emerging challenges in the digital age, making continuous training of investigators, prosecutors and forensic experts essential.

Senator Tarar said legislation would be introduced to address legal gaps in the forensic system and overcome the lack of institutional coordination. He added that memoranda of understanding with relevant institutions would further strengthen coordination among forensic services, investigation and prosecution.