Punjab CM lifts ban on recruitment in PSFA

Promises all-out cooperation to help strengthen the agency

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar announced lifting a ban on recruitments in PFSA. He added that a summary should be forwarded for this purpose. He also directed the ACS (Home) to forward a separate case to increase the allowances of scientists and their staff. “Our government is with you and steps would be taken to solve genuine demands. There would be no dearth of resources and PFSA will be provided every sort of cooperation”, he added.

The CM made this announcement during a visit to the head office of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) on Thursday. He said special attention should be paid to the training of the prosecution department and police staff to bring necessary improvements in the criminal justice system. “Refresher courses should also be conducted for the investigation police,” he added.

The CM announced that the scope of satellite centres of PFSA would be extended to the district level. He found it encouraging that different countries were also sending case samples to the forensic science lab for investigations. “This shows their trust over the performance of this agency. I am pleased that work is being done in a professional manner,” he added.

Buzdar took a round of different sections of the agency and ordered the early completion of the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority building there. DG PFSA Dr. Ashraf Tahir gave a briefing to the CM about the workings of the agency.

While presiding over a meeting, Buzdar commended the performance of the agency. He added that the forensic lab is playing an important role in criminal investigations and solution of other cases.

The role of this agency, with regard to scientific investigation of crimes, is fully recognised. He said it not only has an impact on the province of Punjab, but the whole of Pakistan as well. “In fact, PFSA is a state-of-the-art organisation which is playing a commendable role in the verification of crime-related evidences,” Buzdar continued. He assured that the project director of Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority will be appointed soon and directed the ACS (Home) to send a summary in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2019.