KARACHI: A senior government official has disclosed that the conviction rate in Sindh has increased from four per cent to 11pc after the establishment of the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL).

Speaking at the inaugural session of the one-day training programme on ‘Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System’, Police Surgeon Summaiya Syed said that the SFDL played a pivotal role in the investigations of criminal cases, particularly sexual violence, in the province.

The programme was held at the Prof Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), on Tuesday.

The lab, established through the support of the health department at ICCBS, the University of Karachi, is the only ISO 17025 certified laboratory in the country, offering comprehensive DNA and serology services in Sindh.

The police surgeon underlined the significance of the continuous training of all relevant actors of the criminal justice system in Sindh and stressed the need to have more training sessions to enhance medico-legal practices.

She emphasised the crucial role of DNA evidence, particularly in cases of sexual assault.

‘Lab finalises reports in over 8,000 cases’

Speaking on the occasion, ICCBS director Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen said that the SFDL had furnished high-quality reports of more than 8000 cases.

She welcomed the officials of the armed forces, Sindh police, rescue services, medico-legal and prosecution departments to the training session.

She said this specialised training was designed to provide participants with key strategies and effective tools.

She noted that SFDL not only played a vital role in routine DNA forensics but also actively engaged in research on the same subject.

She said that the lab was also providing capacity-building opportunities to the police, prosecution and law enforcement agencies.

The ICCBS director appreciated SFDL project director and in charge Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan and his team for organising the training session.

She also thanked the police surgeon and Amir Hasan, the director of CPLC’s Shanakht project, and SFDL legal adviser Dr Amar Hussain for their continuous support.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024