The Senate of Pakistan has taken a significant step to enhance the country’s forensic capabilities by approving the establishment of the National Forensics Agency (NFA). This initiative replaces the existing National Forensics Agency Project with a fully functional, independent body to address the challenges of inconsistent forensic services across the nation.
Transforming Forensic Capabilities Across Pakistan
The newly formed National Forensics Agency will offer advanced forensic, digital forensic, and research services to support national security and criminal investigations. Its services will extend to the federal government, all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and private forensic laboratories.
Key initiatives include:
Upgrading Existing Labs: Modernizing conventional forensic labs to meet international standards.
Establishing Digital Forensic Labs: Providing expertise in digital and cyber forensics to combat crimes involving electronic devices, deepfakes, and cyber offenses.
Expanding Infrastructure: Establishing a research department and state-of-the-art facilities for comprehensive forensic analysis.
Governance and Independence
The agency will be headquartered in Islamabad and governed by a board chaired by the secretary of the relevant division. Other members include the IG Islamabad, the national coordinator of NACTA, and the DG of the National Police Bureau. The director-general of the agency will not be allowed to hold dual citizenship, ensuring dedicated and unbiased leadership.
To maintain its independence, the agency will be exempt from federal taxes for five years. However, strict accountability measures have been introduced, including penalties for false or misleading forensic reports.
Legislative Milestones
The “National Forensic Agency Bill, 2024” was introduced in the Senate by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi on October 17 and passed unanimously with amendments. Senators Qurat-ul-Ain Marri and Zamir Hussain Ghumro contributed amendments to refine the bill further.
Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the need for independent and advanced forensic facilities. He noted that while Lahore houses a well-equipped forensic lab, established in 2010 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the growing demand necessitates similar facilities across all provinces.
Beyond Forensics: Other Significant Bills Passed
The Senate also approved several other bills to improve public safety, governance, and legal frameworks. Highlights include:
Islamabad Rent Restriction (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Regulates rental agreements and protects tenant rights.
Provincial Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Enhances road safety and motor vehicle regulations.
Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Streamlines factory regulations to improve occupational safety.
Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Strengthens the criminal justice system.
Future Impact
The establishment of the National Forensics Agency marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan, promising to modernize the country’s forensic landscape, support law enforcement agencies, and improve the overall criminal justice system. By integrating cutting-edge technology and expertise, the NFA aims to combat rising cyber and electronic crimes effectively, paving the way for a safer and more secure Pakistan.
