The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, hosted a one-day training visit for judicial officials as part of a week-long program designed by the Sindh Judicial Academy. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between forensic science and the judicial system.
Fifty judges, prosecutors, medico-legal officers, and investigators from across Sindh attended the training session. The participants received hands-on exposure to modern forensic techniques and learned about the pivotal role these methods play in solving complex criminal cases.
Welcoming the participants in his virtual address, Prof Dr Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, stressed the growing importance of forensic science in Pakistan due to the rise in sophisticated crimes. He underscored the necessity of using scientific tools to ensure justice through accurate evidence analysis.
Established in October 2019 with funding from the Sindh Health Department, SFDL has become a critical component of the province’s criminal justice infrastructure. The lab has processed over 8,970 cases, offering high-quality forensic reports that have significantly impacted court outcomes. Prof. Shah highlighted a notable increase in conviction rates in DNA-related cases—from just 4 percent to 15 percent—since the lab’s inception.
Calling ICCBS “a beacon of excellence in the developing world,” Prof. Shah reaffirmed the institution’s global reputation as a leading research and training hub.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, In-charge and Project Director of SFDL, coordinated the visit and emphasized the lab’s international accreditation under ISO-17025, making it the only forensic laboratory in Pakistan with such a distinction. He stated that this recognition ensures the lab’s findings are accepted in courts both nationally and internationally.
During the visit, participants toured the lab’s facilities and observed advanced equipment in action. Judges and judicial officers expressed appreciation for the lab’s technological capabilities and operational standards.
The training included a technical session and an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with forensic experts. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates, marking the participants’ successful completion of the training.
Related: SFDL at ICCBS Solves 8000 DNA and Serology Cases
The session reflected a broader effort to enhance collaboration between forensic scientists and judicial stakeholders to strengthen the integrity of Pakistan’s legal system.