KARACHI: The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL), housed within the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) at the University of Karachi, has achieved a significant milestone by securing ISO Accreditation, making it the first forensic laboratory in Sindh to attain this esteemed recognition. The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Science & Technology in Islamabad, has granted a 'Certification of Accreditation' to the SFDL.
This accreditation, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards, is a testament to the laboratory's commitment to maintaining the highest quality in forensic DNA analysis procedures. Notably, the SFDL holds the distinction of being the sole ISO-accredited forensic laboratory in Pakistan with a scope of accreditation covering the complete forensic DNA analysis process.
The accreditation was awarded following a rigorous evaluation process, which included a thorough assessment of standard operating procedures (SOPs), staff proficiency, comparisons with internationally recognized labs, and an evaluation of the laboratory's equipment and facilities.
Established in 2019 with the generous financial support of Sindh's Ministry of Health, the SFDL serves as the official service provider for law enforcement agencies in the Sindh Province. To ensure adherence to international standards, the laboratory invited Dr. William Goodwin, a globally renowned forensic DNA expert from the University of Central Lancashire, for multiple reviews of its operations and quality standards. Dr. Goodwin expressed complete satisfaction with the laboratory's activities.
Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, Director of the ICCBS, extended her congratulations to Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, the In-charge and Project Director of SFDL, and his dedicated team for this significant achievement. She praised their competence and hard work and highlighted that this accreditation marks a vital milestone in SFDL's commitment to excellence and quality in laboratory operations.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Iraqi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi, Prof. Dr. Atta-ur Rahman, Professor Emeritus and former Federal Minister for Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH and UNESCO CHAIR on Medicinal and Bio-Organic Natural Product Chemistry at ICCBS, also congratulated the entire team for their relentless efforts in achieving this significant recognition.
