Karachi: Emphasizing the key role played by forensic DNA and serology laboratories in the criminal justice system, a senior government official at a symposium on Thursday said that state-of-the-art facilities were opened on the Karachi University (KU) campus five years ago, which is a valuable service.
These services have helped to increase the conviction rate in the province from 4% to 16%, which is significantly higher than the three per cent recorded in other provinces.
They spoke at a three-day workshop titled “The Practicality of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System”, organized by Dr. Panjwani’s Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), International Center for Students in Chemistry and Biology (ICCBS), Kerachi University (ICCBS).
Representatives from Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Rangers, Police, Judiciary, Red Cross and various welfare and disaster management organizations participated in the event.
Experts highlight the role of ICCBS laboratories in the criminal justice system
Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL)-A is designed to help police and prosecutors conduct investigations and trials, which uses modern technology HAS to produce high problem reports in more than 11,000 cases so far, and the province’s demand so far is by providing comprehensive DNA and serology services.
Provincial Health Minister Rehan Iqbal Baloch said: “The laboratory plays a central role in improving the conviction rate in Sindh to 16%, which is significantly higher than other provinces, with a record of 3% in these provinces.”
He noted that SFDL has become a leading center for the Center for Capacity Building for Forensic Sciences, providing specialized training programs for medical judges, investigators and prosecutors, and strengthening the criminal justice system.
Speaking about his “silent revolution” in education, science, technology and innovation, Dr. Atta-Or-Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister of Science and Technology said that PhD and Return Engineers trained by the Higher Education Training Commission played a decisive role in the success of Pakistan, which played both successes in the success of Pakistan.
Professor Raza Shah, Director of ICCBS, said that modern equipment, trained staff and quality assurance mechanisms were established according to international standards – designed to support police and prosecution during investigations and trials using modern technology, SFDL was established to emphasize the goals and objectives of establishing the facility.
“With the help of the lab, police officers can gather reliable and proven evidence against the identities of sisters, thus facilitating the delivery of justice. The lab has successfully handled more than 11,000 cases.”
In her speech, Chairman Panjwani Memorial Foundation Chairman Nadira Panjwani said the center’s main goal is to train highly qualified professionals in emerging fields of molecular medicine and drug development. She noted that PCMD currently runs the largest M.Phil and PhD programs in these disciplines.
Chief Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed stressed the critical role of SFDL in solving challenging criminal cases, citing its essential contribution to incidents such as PIA aircraft crashes. It also plays a key role in criminal investigations, especially sexual violence.
The program ends with a detailed overview of the development and progress of the lab’s project director and director of the lab and the director of the responsibility of Dr. SFDL Ishmad Khan.
He said the laboratory, established with the support of the health sector, is the only ISO 17025 certified laboratory in the country, providing a comprehensive DNA and serological service in Sindh. It not only plays a crucial role in conventional DNA forensics, but also actively engages in research on the same topic.
Posted in Dawn on September 26, 2025
