The decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan to halt all development projects in Sindh in the run-up to the upcoming general elections would adversely affect the construction of the Sindh Forensic Laboratory.
Project Director Faisal Ahmed Aqeeli has reached out to the ECP, requesting an exemption for this vital project because the use of science-based investigations could lessen the burden on the judicial system by addressing the backlog of cases.
During a recent meeting with media persons, Aqeeli outlined the Sindh Forensic Lab's plans. "The construction of this lab had previously been delayed for six years due to various reasons, but with the Supreme Court and the Sindh government backing the project, progress is now being made at a rapid pace," he claimed.
According to him, the construction will encompass a 20-acre lab building and residential blocks covering 10 acres, with 40 per cent of the infrastructure already in place. The expected infrastructure cost has risen from Rs5.5 billion to Rs9.5 billion due to inflation and increased material and service expenses, he added.
"Consequently, PC-1 will require revision. The next phase of the project will involve procuring modern equipment worth Rs10 billion. Early infrastructure completion will allow equipment procurement within budget constraints," he further said.
The process for acquiring state-of-the-art equipment is set to begin in 2024.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2023.
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