ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s first modern, state-of-the-art National Forensic Agency has become fully operational within a remarkably short time, marking a major advancement in the country’s forensic and investigative capabilities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the agency to review its facilities and progress. During his visit, he toured key sections including the Research and Innovation Lab, Digital Forensic Lab, Narcotics Lab, FinTech Lab, and the Questioned Document Lab, a press release issued by the Interior Ministry said on Friday.
He also inspected specialised units such as DNA analysis, firearms, serology, and explosives. The minister commended the team for their dedication and efficiency in making the agency fully functional in such a short period.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that the establishment of the National Forensic Agency was a critical requirement in the modern era.
He noted that the institution would play a vital role in strengthening national security and enhancing crime control efforts, offering advanced services that were previously unavailable in the country.
He further stated that the agency would extend its support to all provinces and law enforcement bodies. He directed authorities to establish sub-offices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure wider access to forensic services.
The Interior Minister added that the agency will now provide internationally standardised forensic analysis within Pakistan. He also instructed officials to promote awareness of its services so that all relevant institutions can benefit.
During the visit, Mohsin Naqvi also toured the mock crime scene unit and interacted with Assistant Superintendents of Police undergoing training. He highlighted that such training programs would significantly benefit officers throughout their careers.
Director General of the National Forensic Agency, Hasanat Rasool, briefed the minister that the first phase of the project has been successfully completed. He shared that the agency is offering advanced digital forensic services, including deepfake detection, computer and mobile forensics, audio-video analysis, network forensics, and drone forensics.
Over the past year, around 1,500 digital forensic cases have been processed. Work on the second phase is set to begin soon, which will include the establishment of 25 specialized laboratories.
