Latest news with #PFSA
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Imran again refuses lie detector tests
Incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday refused to undergo lie detector test for the fourth time and a team comprising policemen and members of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) returned after waiting at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail for four hours. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore had allowed police to conduct the text on Imran in connection with cases filed against him and a number of PTI leaders after unprecedented incidents of vandalism in which dozens of army installations were attacked on May 9 and May 10 or 2023. According to sources, a Lahore police investigation team led by DSP Asif Javed arrived at Adiala Jail at 12:45 pm to conduct a polygraph test, photogrammetric and voice matching tests. Members of the PFSA were also part of the investigation team, including inspectors Muhammad Aslam, Tasaddaq, Saleem, and Naveed as well technical expert Abid Ayub. Upon their arrival, the prison authorities informed the PTI founder, but he refused for the fourth time to join the investigation. Sources said Imran was informed that the investigation team had come with a court order, yet he again declined to undergo the tests. After Imran's refusal to cooperate in the investigation process, the teams had to return after a long wait. Earlier, Imran Khan had stipulated that he would only participate in the investigation and undergo the tests in the presence of his lawyers. However, when the investigators returned with his legal counsel present, he provided a written response stating that Article 13 grants him protection from being compelled to become a witness against himself or assist in producing evidence that may be used against him. Lahore ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill on May 14 allowed the police to conduct polygraphlie detectionand photogrammetricfacial and voice analysistests of Imran Khan in twelve May 9 cases. The judge had ordered completion of the tests within 12 days, saying the prosecution might meet the PTI founder in Adiala Jail during that period. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Lahore, PTI leadersSalman Akram Raja and Malik Ahmed Khansaid there is no restriction on Imran Khan's sons to return to Pakistan and participate in politics. The PTI founder's sonsKasim and Suleimanhave remained throughout their lives in the United Kingdom with their mother--Imran's first wife Jemima Goldsmith In a rare interview released on social media on May 13, Kasim and Sulaiman spoke about the alleged "suppression of democracy" in Pakistan and a lack of basic facilities for Imran Khan in his prison cell. They said their father was being kept in prison on "trumped up charges." They also urged US President Donald Trump and the international community to help free their father from prison, appealing to "people of influence" around the world to press for his release. WITH INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN LAHORE
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Program Director in Cambria Co. honored as PA Blue Ribbon Champion
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — April is recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every year in April, the PA Family Support Alliance (PFSA) honors individuals from across the Commonwealth who go above and beyond the call to protect kids from abuse and neglect. A program director who works in Johnstown is one of four people in Pennsylvania who will receive an award. 'It's honestly, it's pretty surreal. And it's kind of like a weird, full-circle moment for me. You know, I wrote the nomination for one of our CASA volunteers here back in 2019, and he won. So I've already been to the ceremony, but now I guess I get to sit up front and stand on the stairs and get an award,' Tyler Smay, Program Director of CASA of the Laurel Highlands said. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. It's part of a nationwide non-profit network. Smay said that CASA is everywhere in America except for North Dakota. He also said that Pennsylvania has just over 20 CASA programs. CASA volunteers are usually appointed by judges to advocate for children's best interests. 'I like to say it's not your standard show up on a Saturday morning and get a t-shirt, and I do tons of that too. And that's just as important. But it's a different opportunity. You know, these volunteers are making really great connections with children and youth and families and providers,' Smay said. Proposed bill would improve transparency, protect Pennsylvania seniors Smay has around eight years of experience as Program Director. This year, for his work in child advocacy, he'll receive a Blue Ribbon Champion Award next Wednesday in Harrisburg. 'In Tyler's case, you know, he really, is kind of set apart from all the remarkable people who work in CASA statewide. His program alone had, 95% of all the volunteers stay for five years or longer. That's almost unheard of,' Angela Liddle, President and CEO of PA Family Support Alliance said. Being a CASA volunteer isn't as easy as it sounds. The workload can be challenging. 'The number of substantiated abuse cases in 2023 was 4,720 cases. That's a lot of families. That's a lot of children. And then, as I said, 57 fatalities. So what we know is that without folks like Tyler, and all the Blue Ribbon champs, our numbers would be much higher,' Liddle said. According to the PA Family Support Alliance, PFSA staff, board of directors, statewide and local advocates, officials, and corporate supporters will plant 4,720 blue flags to represent the number of substantiated child abuse cases and 57 black flags to represent the number of child deaths due to child abuse in the state in 2023. 'There are tougher days. You read some stories. And I think about it sometimes in court because sometimes I'm in court when, you know maybe, children are being removed from their parents temporarily for their own safety and realizing I'm probably here witnessing the worst day of someone's life. But ultimately, the impact of having that early childhood intervention and providing services to a youth when they're young; I think is incredibly valuable,' Smay said. Flag planting will begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of 3rd & State Street in Harrisburg. If you suspect abuse, report it to ChildLine, the state's 24/7 reporting hotline at (800)-932-0313. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Regional forensic labs in the offing
The Punjab government has approved a plan to establishment forensic laboratories in northern, central and South Punjab. The initiative recommended by the home department is part of the implementation of the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act recently passed by the provincial assembly. The Punjab Forensic Science Authority (PFSA) will operate as a first responder in cases of terrorism and other serious offences for collecting evidence directly from crime scenes. The chief minister has allocated Rs8 billion for the authority's modernisation, including the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, infrastructure development and the construction of upgraded facilities. The PFSA has been granted the status of an autonomous authority, empowering it to oversee crime scene protection and the transportation of forensic material. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, the reforms will not only enhance the quality of forensic work but also ensure effective prosecution in courts. Under the new law, the chief minister will serve as the chairperson of the PFSA Board, while a vice-chairperson will be appointed to manage day-to-day operations. The board will include key stakeholders such as the home, finance, law and prosecution secretaries, chairperson of the planning and development board, and inspector general of Punjab Police. Additionally, five forensic science experts have been appointed as board members to provide technical guidance. The spokesperson said the establishment of updated offices and laboratories across the province would enable local handling of cases, reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
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.
Express Tribune
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab to establish Forensic Science Authority
LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 in the provincial assembly, aiming to enhance forensic investigations across the province. The new bill seeks to upgrade the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) into an autonomous authority, with the Punjab Chief Minister serving as its Chairperson. According to the Punjab Home Department, the Provincial Cabinet has already approved the bill, which has now been referred to the Punjab Assembly's Special Committee on Home Affairs for further deliberation. The proposed authority will 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 will be part of the technical panel. Equipped with modern forensic tools and technologies, the new authority aims to bring scientific investigations in Punjab up to international standards. A dedicated fund will be established to support forensic research and development. The bill also mandates that forensic experts provide professional opinions and reports in courts and tribunals. Once enacted, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 will repeal the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act 2007. Meanwhile, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order convened to review security arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Raiwind Tablighi Ijtima, ensuring comprehensive measures for these major events. During the committee's 22nd meeting, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, officials discussed security preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Raiwind congregation. Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal provided a detailed briefing on the province's security situation, while the committee reviewed joint security audit reports of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Officials were directed to implement fool-proof security measures. To strengthen security, the deployment of five Army companies and one Rangers wing was approved for the Champions Trophy.
