KU to offer courses in digital forensics soon

KARACHI:

The University of Karachi has inaugurated the Centre of Digital Forensic Science and Technology (CDFST), 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 the 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."

"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," 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, 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

" 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 explained that while the construction phase is complete, academic planning will take another two to four months.