THIS is with reference to the letter ‘Shocking death’ (Aug 19) about the case involving the death of a Karachi-based young entrepreneur. The case has also raised concerns about the forensic infra-

structure in the country. There has been an alarming surge in street crime, murder, armed robbery, kidnapping and other serious offences across Sindh, but, despite these persistent security challenges, the province still lacks a comprehensive, internationally accredited forensic science system that is capable of supporting modern criminal investigations.

In contemporary policing terms, forensic science is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. DNA profiling, fingerprint analysis, ballistics, digital forensics and professional crime-scene investigation provide objective evidence that strengthens prosecutions, protects the innocent, and increases conviction rates. Without these scientific tools, law-enforcement agencies are often compelled to rely on conventional investigative methods that are less reliable and more vulnerable to human error.

The absence of a fully developed forensic infrastructure reflects a deeper problem of planning and governance. Public investment in policing must extend beyond manpower and equipment to include scientific capacity that can transform the criminal justice system. A province of Sindh’s size and strategic importance deserves a state-of-the-art forensic network with regional laboratories, trained experts and seamless coordination among police, prosecution and judiciary.

The fight against crime cannot be won through reactive measures alone. It requires evidence-based policing backed by modern forensic capabilities. Strengthening forensic science should, therefore, become a governance priority, not merely a policy aspiration. Justice that is delivered through science is definitely more credible, more efficient and, ultimately, more effective.

Mubasher Mir
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2026