Punjab to establish Forensic Science Authority
The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 in the provincial assembly, aiming to enhance forensic investigations across the province.
The new bill seeks to upgrade the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) into an autonomous authority, with the Punjab Chief Minister serving as its Chairperson.
According to the Punjab Home Department, the Provincial Cabinet has already approved the bill, which has now been referred to the Punjab Assembly's Special Committee on Home Affairs for further deliberation.
The proposed authority will comprise senior officials, including the Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Law Secretary, Planning & Development Secretary, Public Prosecution Secretary, Punjab Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Forensic Science Authority.
Additionally, experts in audio-visual analysis, computer forensics, criminology, molecular sciences, and pathology will be part of the technical panel.
Equipped with modern forensic tools and technologies, the new authority aims to bring scientific investigations in Punjab up to international standards.
A dedicated fund will be established to support forensic research and development.
The bill also mandates that forensic experts provide professional opinions and reports in courts and tribunals.
Once enacted, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 will repeal the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act 2007.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order convened to review security arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Raiwind Tablighi Ijtima, ensuring comprehensive measures for these major events.
During the committee's 22nd meeting, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, officials discussed security preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Raiwind congregation.
Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal provided a detailed briefing on the province's security situation, while the committee reviewed joint security audit reports of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Officials were directed to implement fool-proof security measures.
To strengthen security, the deployment of five Army companies and one Rangers wing was approved for the Champions Trophy.