The Senate of Pakistan has approved the establishment of a new National Forensics Agency, to enhance the country’s forensic infrastructure.
Replacing the existing National Forensics Agency Project, the new body will provide cutting-edge research and digital forensic services to bolster national security. Its services will extend to the federal government, provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and other forensic laboratories nationwide.
Key features include expertise in digital forensics and maintaining a comprehensive database of forensic materials. The agency will be governed by a high-profile body chaired by the division secretary, with members such as the IG Islamabad, NACTA’s national coordinator, and the DG of the National Police Bureau. Importantly, the agency’s director-general must not hold dual citizenship.
To ensure operational independence, the agency will enjoy a five-year tax exemption. However, strict accountability measures are in place, with penalties of up to one year in prison and a Rs. 1,000 fine for any expert or employee found issuing false or misleading forensic reports.
This development aims to modernize forensic capabilities, enhancing support for national security and law enforcement efforts.
