KU to host Sindh's first forensic DNA laboratory

Lab's establishment will reduce reliance on Punjab for forensic, DNA testing in criminal cases

KARACHI:  

The provincial government has finalised a plan to develop a state-of-the-art forensic DNA laboratory in Sindh. The laboratory will be similar to other modern investigative laboratories, such as the one in Punjab, and will be called the Strengthening Forensic DNA and Serology Facility.

The forensic DNA laboratory will be established at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at Karachi University. The Jamilur Rehman Centre for Genome Research, a sub-unit of the ICCBS, will provide space for the laboratory.

The project plan and summary have been finalised and sent to the provincial health department, which has forwarded it to the chief minister for final approval. The provincial government has approved a three-year grant of Rs260 million for ICCBS.

The facility will provide assistance to the police and other law enforcement agencies in the scientific investigation of civil and criminal cases. Genetic material discovered during investigations will no longer be sent to diagnostic laboratories in Punjab, thereby saving both time and money.



According to reports, the laboratory is being established on the orders of the court. The rape and murder of seven-year-old Zainab in Kasur shocked the nation and the culprit was caught after investigation teams used DNA reports from Punjab's forensic laboratory. The suspect had been successfully evading law enforcement agencies until a DNA match confirmed his involvement in the case.

According to Express News, MNA Azra Pechuho recently visited the ICCBS several times to discuss the plan for the forensic laboratory. She also examined the existing forensic equipment present at the centre's Genome Research Laboratory.

Confirming the plan to establish a forensic laboratory at ICCBS, Health Secretary Dr Fazlullah Pechuho told Express News that the facility was being developed on the orders of the Sindh High Court. "The laboratory will provide DNA testing for up to 150 genetic samples every month," he said, adding that "the tests will be conducted as per the requirements of the provincial government". He went on to say that the government was finalising the project's PC-I while an initial summary has been sent to Chief Minister House for approval by CM Murad Ali Shah. It is expected that the summary will be approved soon, after which the government will sign an agreement with ICCBS.



According to the summary submitted by ICCBS Director Dr Iqbal Chaudhry, the facility will require Rs150 million to purchase equipment and issue service contracts and another Rs25 million for chemical kits. In addition to this, the laboratory will need Rs20 million for training and development of its staff while Rs65 million will be allocated for the non-development budget, which includes salaries and allowances of the staff.

"The Jamilur Rehman Genome Research Centre at ICCBS, established solely by donations from Dr Attaur Rehman, is already equipped with machinery and facilities required for genomic research," the summary read. "The centre also has several facilities including next-generation DNA sequencing, computational infrastructure for bioinformatics and appliances, polymerase chain reaction instruments, ultra and normal speed centrifuges and bio-alliance and gel documentation system".

In addition to setting up the facility, the summary also requests high-level training of the laboratory staff, including on sample handling as per international standards. The staff will also undergo training for sample processing and data analysis. The basic appointment criteria for the centre's staff include an MSc and MPhil, according to the summary. It also adds that funds will also be needed to procure chemicals used for the preservation of samples.