Punjab takes steps to modernise Forensic Science Authority
Listen to article
The field of forensic science in Punjab is undergoing significant changes. Under the leadership of Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, steps are being taken to modernise the Punjab Forensic Science Authority (PFSA).
As part of this initiative, new labs will be established across the province, forensic science teams will be made more effective, and the use of modern technology in criminal investigations will be ensured.
In the ongoing fight against terrorism and serious crimes, Punjab has taken another major step. The provincial government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has allocated Rs 8 billion in funds to modernise the Punjab Forensic Science Authority.
The funds will be used to establish new laboratories in the northern, central, and southern regions of the province, which will not only enhance the quality of investigations but also ensure effective prosecution in courts.
According to reports, the new labs under the Punjab Forensic Science Authority will reach crime scenes immediately, especially in cases of terrorism and serious crimes, to collect evidence. These teams will operate as "First Responders," expediting investigations and ensuring the protection of evidence.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced the allocation of Rs 8 billion for the modernisation of the Forensic Science Authority. This fund will be used for the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure development, and the construction and upgrading of facilities.
In addition, offices of the authority will be established throughout the province to handle cases effectively at the local level.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will personally chair the Forensic Science Authority Board, and a Vice-Chairperson will also be appointed. The board will include the secretaries of the departments of Home, Finance, Planning & Development, Law, Prosecution, and the IG Punjab, along with five forensic science experts.
This board will work to streamline the authority's operations and ensure government support.
These historic reforms in forensic science will not only improve the quality of criminal investigations but will also ensure the effective presentation of evidence in the judicial system.
The use of modern labs and technology will not only reduce the number of cases but will also increase the chances of convicting criminals.
In the coming days, additional steps will be taken under the Punjab Forensic Science Authority, including the recruitment of trained personnel in forensic science, the use of modern technology to speed up the investigative process, and ensuring transparency to restore public trust.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated, "These reforms in the field of forensic science will set an example not only for Punjab but for the entire country. Our effort is to strengthen the justice system by incorporating modern science and technology into criminal investigations."
A month ago, the Punjab government introduced the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 in the provincial assembly, aiming to enhance forensic investigations across the province.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the Provincial Cabinet had already approved the bill, which had then been referred to the Punjab Assembly's Special Committee on Home Affairs for further deliberation.
The proposed authority would comprise senior officials, including the Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Law Secretary, Planning & Development Secretary, Public Prosecution Secretary, Punjab Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of the Forensic Science Authority.
Additionally, experts in audio-visual analysis, computer forensics, criminology, molecular sciences, and pathology were to be part of the technical panel.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Azma lauds CM's policies: Green herbs available to public at affordable prices
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that for the first time in Punjab's history, green herbs are available to the public at affordable prices ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. She said this is a practical example of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's pro-people policies and good governance. According to Bokhari, the Chief Minister ensured that there was no increase in the prices of essential commodities before Eid, nor was there any shortage in the markets. 'This is the first time a Chief Minister has personally monitored the situation round the clock to control prices and activate the market mechanism,' she said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
FCCI urges govt to protect environment
FAISALABAD: 'Environment Protection has emerged as one of the most critical issues after economy and defence and government in collaboration with the private sector must play pivotal role to save the environment on a sustained basis,' said Rehan Naseem Bharara, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI). Addressing a function on World Environment Day, he appreciated the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and said that tangible results could be achieved to reduce and ultimately eliminate the excessive use of plastic in the province. The topic of the seminar was 'Zero Plastic, Zero Pollution'. He lauded the environment-related legislation and said that implementation on it is equally important to protect this only known living planet for coming generations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Power tariff hike: Govt reaches ‘understanding' with IMF
ISLAMABAD: The government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reportedly reached an understanding that electricity tariffs will be increased through annual rebasing from July 2025 if the power sector's revenue requirements exceed the allocated subsidy envelope of Rs 1.036 trillion for fiscal year 2025–26, well-informed sources in the Finance Ministry told Business Recorder. This understanding was reached during discussions between Pakistani authorities and the visiting IMF mission held from May 14 to 24, 2025. 'Within the Rs 1.036 trillion envelope, sufficient subsidy will be allocated to ensure zero circular debt flow in FY26. The Petroleum Development Levy (PDL)-financed Prime Minister's package—amounting to Rs 182 billion—will be counted toward the FY26 subsidy,' the sources added. Reduced hydropower, costly fuels: Govt warns of potential hike in power bills Both sides also agreed that any additional financial needs will be met through tariff adjustments during the July rebasing exercise while maintaining a progressive power tariff structure, the sources maintained. According to sources, the IMF emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline, with subsidy levels expected to remain within 0.8% of GDP. These subsidies will be linked to credible targets for stock clearance and loss reduction. The Power Division has been directed to take all necessary steps to implement the measures agreed upon with the IMF. The government had earmarked Rs 1.190 trillion for the power sector for FY2024–26. However, the Power Division has also secured approval for additional subsidies to keep the circular debt flow within the limit agreed with the Fund. The Finance Division has revised and communicated provisional Indicative Budget Ceilings (IBCs), allocating Rs 636.136 billion for sector subsidies under the recurrent budget for FY2025–26, up from the earlier allocation of Rs 400 billion. As the detailed breakdown of the revised subsidy for FY2024–25 is not available, it remains unclear whether the full allocation has been utilized by the Power Division or if deviations occurred. Sources within the Power Division believe that subsidies for FY2025 may exceed Rs 1.2 trillion, driven by growing support for residential consumers and persistent circular debt obligations. 'A sharp increase in protected consumer categories—those consuming less than 200 units per month—is driving higher subsidy needs, as more consumers adjust their consumption or install solar panels to stay within the protected threshold,' the sources said. Cross-subsidy pressures are also rising, as declining industrial and commercial consumption reduces the contribution of higher-paying users to the overall system. The government also plans to clear up to Rs 541 billion in circular debt stock during FY2025, as part of a broader six-year debt reduction strategy. 'Subsidy allocations remain a contentious issue, particularly concerning the treatment of PDL proceeds and their role in budget financing,' the sources continued. Tariff rebasing and further adjustments remain under government consideration to close the subsidy gap. However, political sensitivities and lobbying from industrial stakeholders are limiting policy flexibility. The successful implementation of the Circular Debt Workout and Action Plan (CDWAP) and the ongoing restructuring of Pakistan Holding Limited's (PHL) debt are seen as critical to reducing future interest costs and stabilizing circular debt flows. Additionally, the Finance Division has directed the Power Division to strictly follow mandatory instructions issued to all Principal Accounting Officers (PAOs), heads of departments, and related entities when preparing budget estimates for each cost center and account head. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
