KARACHI: More than 8,000 high-quality forensic reports have been produced by the University of Karachi’s Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) that is the only ISO 17025-certified forensic lab in Pakistan, offering such services with support of the provincial health department.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a one-day training workshop on the “Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System,” Prof. Dr Farzana Shaheen, Director of the KU International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), underscored the lab's achievements.
The event took place at the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, ICCBS.
Welcoming the officials of the armed forces, Sindh Police, law enforcement, rescue services, medico-legal and prosecution departments at the event, Prof Shaheen said the specialised training aimed to equip participants with essential strategies and effective tools for utilising forensic DNA in their respective fields.
She said that SFDL not only plays a significant role in routine DNA forensics but also engages in cutting-edge research, besides offering capacity-building opportunities for police, prosecution, and law enforcement agencies.
Dr Summaiya Syed highlighted SFDL’s role in addressing cases of sexual violence in the province, citing a notable rise in the conviction rate, which increased from 4pc to 15pc since SFDL's establishment at ICCBS.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad detailed SFDL's progress, emphasising the lab's commitment to staying at the forefront of forensic DNA research. He noted that these initiatives are designed to position SFDL as a leader in forensic science, both nationally and globally.
The training session concluded with a panel discussion, offering deeper insights into the application of forensic DNA in disaster management and the criminal justice system.
