In a significant step toward enhancing the judicial system’s understanding of forensic science, 30 judges and judicial officers attended a one-day training session on the “Interpretation of Forensic DNA and Serology Reports.” The session, organized by the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), was held on Tuesday under the directives of the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court (SHC).
The event was inaugurated by Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of ICCBS, who welcomed the participants and commended the SFDL team for organizing the training. In her opening remarks, Dr Shaheen underscored the growing importance of forensic science in the judicial process, emphasizing that scientific methodologies are now indispensable for analyzing physical evidence in criminal cases. She also highlighted ICCBS’s global reputation for excellence in scientific research and training, noting that the center’s contributions extend far beyond Pakistan’s borders.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, In-charge and Project Director of SFDL, provided an overview of the laboratory’s achievements since its establishment. He revealed that SFDL has processed forensic reports for over 8,500 cases, covering a wide range of DNA and serology investigations. The laboratory has played a critical role in high-profile cases, including the PIA plane crash, the Nooribad van accident, and the Lasbela bus accident. Additionally, SFDL has been instrumental in handling sensitive cases involving child abuse, murder, and kidnapping.
Dr Summaiya Syed, Police Surgeon Karachi, delivered a lecture on the medico-legal challenges faced in courtrooms. She stressed the need for improved coordination between investigation, medico-legal, and prosecution departments to ensure timely and effective trials in criminal cases. Her insights shed light on the practical difficulties encountered in the legal system and the importance of forensic evidence in overcoming these challenges.
The training session also featured a panel discussion with prominent experts, including Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, Dr Amar Hussain, Legal Advisor SFDL Amir Hassan, and Dr Imran, a forensic expert. The discussion provided a platform for participants to engage with the panelists, raising technical questions and gaining deeper insights into the complexities of forensic science. Attendees praised the quality of the training and the meticulous arrangements made by the organizers.
As part of the session, participants were given a tour of the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory, where they observed state-of-the-art facilities and learned about the advanced techniques used in forensic analysis. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to all participants, marking the successful completion of the training.
This initiative reflects the growing recognition of forensic science as a cornerstone of modern justice systems. By equipping judges and judicial officers with the knowledge to interpret forensic reports accurately, the training aims to strengthen the legal process and ensure that justice is served with greater precision and reliability.