Karachi University's new digital forensic centre opens doors for future cyber sleuths

VC Khalid Iraqi announces that certificate and diploma courses in digital forensics would be launched soon

The University of Karachi has inaugurated the Centre of Digital Forensic Science and Technology, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at advancing research, training, and digital security in Sindh.

The newly constructed building was formally opened by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, with funding provided by the federal government through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). It is Sindh’s third forensic facility and the first digital forensic centre within a university.

According to Saeed Sheikh, Director of the Directorate of Planning and Development, the project is part of a mega initiative launched in 2018, which also includes the construction of additional research centres and a girls’ hostel.

“We have completed the building’s construction and handed it over to the university,” Sheikh told The Express Tribune. “The delivery of lab equipment and other materials will be finalised soon.”

He said the centre fills a major gap in Sindh’s digital forensic infrastructure. “Currently, only limited work in digital forensics is being done by institutions such as the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing and the Punjab Forensic Agency. This centre will bring all facilities under one roof and open new avenues for research and training,” he added.

Built at a cost of Rs308 million, the 38,000-square-foot complex features 23 classrooms, 11 laboratories, 32 offices, and 18 storerooms. It is equipped with advanced security systems and accessibility features for persons with disabilities.

Dr Nadeem Mahmood, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, said the facility is much more than just a building. “It’s a complete digital forensic lab and academic centre, designed to train the next generation of experts in this field and promote forensic education in Sindh,” he said.

He explained that while the construction phase is complete, academic planning will take another two to four months. “The lab will not only serve educational purposes but will also support law enforcement agencies in digital investigations,” he added.

“Unlike biological forensics, digital forensics deals with analysing mobile phones, laptops, and other devices to extract and examine digital evidence. Until now, digital samples from Karachi had to be sent to Lahore or the Punjab Forensic Lab for analysis.”

“Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi, speaking at the inauguration, announced that certificate and diploma courses in digital forensics would be launched soon, to be followed by BS, MPhil, and PhD programmes.”

“This centre represents a blend of modern research, technology, and practical training,” he said. “Students, researchers, and law enforcement officers will receive hands-on instruction in digital forensics, cyber investigation, and mobile and computer forensics.”

He added that several departments, including Computer Science, Criminology, Mass Communication, Psychology, the Institute of Clinical Psychology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, will collaborate closely with the CDFST to strengthen interdisciplinary research and education.

Dr Iraqi expressed confidence that the centre will emerge as a regional hub for digital forensic research and training, contributing significantly to both academic progress and national security.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the university’s registrar, faculty members, students, and heads of various departments.