Punjab Home Secy Reviews PFSA Overhaul, Urges Swift Upgrades

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jul, 2025) Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi here on Monday visited the Punjab

Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and chaired a high-level meeting focused on the

agency’s performance and future goals.

During the briefing, PFSA Director General Dr Muhammad Amjad, informed the home

secretary that PFSA was undergoing a major upgrade, with the procurement of modern

equipment worth Rs 4.5 billion.

The initiative aims to replace outdated machinery with 700 state-of-the-art forensic

instruments.

Additionally, the recruitment process for 77 new scientists across various departments

was currently underway.

Dr Amjad also highlighted that PFSA was an internationally accredited institution

recognized by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC), with its reports

in fields like DNA analysis, firearms, narcotics, fingerprints, document examination,

toxicology and audio-video analysis accepted as credible references worldwide.

Over 200 PFSA scientists have received international training through globally

recognized institutions.

Addressing the meeting, Secretary Home Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi stated that global

recognition of PFSA’s forensic results was a matter of pride for Pakistan.

He emphasized the need for completing the agency’s modernization and extension

programme strictly on merit and directed that all scientists be provided with international

training opportunities.

Dr Qazi called for measures to prevent brain drain in the forensic science sector and

recommended offering market-based incentives to retain highly skilled professionals.

He instructed the swift completion of Evidence Receiving Units in Mianwali, Rahim Yar

Khan and Toba Tek Singh, and also urged expedited construction of the Crime Scene

Unit in Gujrat, similar to those established in other Punjab divisions.

The PFSA should strengthen its DNA database, as it would help in the swift apprehension

of criminal elements, he added.

PFSA Director General Dr. Muhammad Amjad, DG Punjab Agriculture, food & Drug Authority,

Additional DG Forensics, Additional Secretary Police and other senior officials attended

the meeting.