KARACHI, Aug 8: The forensic science laboratory (FSL) of the police department — the lone such facility for Karachi and the rest of the province — is lacking proper facilities, funds, equipment and manpower.

Reliable sources told the PPI on Wednesday that the role of the FSL was gaining more and more importance with every passing day as it provided scientific evidence to support field investigations regarding crimes, but this vital facility lacked necessary attention.

They said FSL staff visited crime scenes to collect circumstantial evidence so as to strengthen and support their investigation. Technical duties such as fingerprints and footprint examination, chemical analysis of various substances, examination of vehicles, firearms and documents, drawing sketches of the suspects and such other vital technical jobs were carried out at the FSL.

In the wake of the current wave of bomb blasts, the importance of the FSL has grown manifolds. Besides, it helps in solving other mysterious cases that happen to take place as a routine, but the existing facilities seem to be insufficient to cater to the growing demands. The sources claimed that the FSL was mainly doing with old methods, machinery and facilities and it urgently needed upgrading as per standards of the developed countries.Advanced facilities are needed to this unit in order to meet new demands, a high-ranking police official said, requesting anonymity. He added that this unit was a crucial part of the police department and its upgrade would greatly help the whole department.

The building of the FSL at the Police Headquarters in Garden though seems in good condition, it needs major upgrading.

Fresh chemical graduates should be inducted to enhance the strength and efficiency of the department, the official said, adding that professionals should also be appointed to carry out the complex task satisfactorily.

Sources said the FSL besides carrying out investigative jobs imparted basic training to police staff from other districts.

A sub-inspector, on condition of anonymity, said a very attractive salary package was being offered for this kind of jobs in foreign countries. He deplored that in our country no reasonable package was available to policemen doing these vital technical jobs.

He said 20 per cent additional allowance to FSL staff had been halted since 2000. That was why police officials opted to get posted in other departments, he added.

The FSL takes cases from 101 police stations in the metropolis, besides all districts of the province. There is a need to arrange modern and complex laboratory facility as at present cases like DNA tests are referred to Islamabad.—PPI