Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar visited the National Forensics Agency (NFA), where Director General National Forensics Agency Jawad Ahmed Dogar and other officials briefed the Federal Minister in detail on the Agency’s various departments, forensic laboratories and investigative procedures.
The Federal Minister was informed that the National Forensics Agency, established on December 24, 2024 under the National Forensics Agency Act, 2024, is serving as the country’s central federal forensic institution, providing scientific forensic services to law enforcement agencies, prosecution departments and courts.
According to the briefing, 11 forensic laboratories of the NFA are currently operational and notified. The Digital Forensics Lab has received 2,506 cases, of which 2,158 have been completed, while 3,090 digital devices have been processed. The Chemical and Biological Forensic Laboratories have received 1,525 cases, of which 1,044 have been completed.
The Federal Minister was further informed that Centres of Excellence in Digital Forensics and Explosive Forensics have been established at the NFA. The Explosive Forensics Centre also operates the National Bomb Exploitation and Investigation System.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar appreciated Director General Jawad Ahmed Dogar and the NFA team for operationalizing the Agency within a short period.
The Federal Minister said that modern technology had transformed the dynamics of criminal investigation, while advanced forensic capabilities were playing a fundamental role in criminal investigations, effective prosecution and securing convictions.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said forensic science was playing an extremely important role in the fight against terrorism. He added that forensic analysis could help determine the source of explosive materials and weapons used in criminal and terrorist incidents.
The Federal Minister said that the National Forensics Agency would serve as a Centre of Excellence for forensic science in Pakistan and would also provide support to other laboratories and relevant government institutions.
He said the digital era had created new challenges, including online fraud, data breaches and cybercrime, underscoring the need for continuous training of investigators, prosecutors and forensic experts.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said legislative measures would be undertaken to address legal gaps and institutional disconnects in the forensic system. He also emphasized strengthening coordination among forensic services, investigation and prosecution through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with relevant institutions.
