Forensics

Crime and forensics

Last month a major breakthrough was achieved during the investigation of minor Zainab’s rape case when Imran Ali was identified as the main accused after an extensive search of DNA testing. More than 1,150 suspects were tested for this purpose. The test also helped establish the fact that the same person was involved in several similar cases in the area and had successfully dodged the police for such a long time.

There was praise from all sides for the team that conducted these tests and found the culprit. There was also great acknowledgment for the use of modern sciences and technology in solving crimes and securing scientific evidence against culprits that cannot be refuted.

This particular field of knowledge is described as forensic science which is being used globally to fight crime. Over the last few years, the dependence on forensic science has increased in Pakistan as well, especially now that there is a laboratory claimed to be the second largest in the world. Called Punjab Forensic Lab, this facility established in Lahore has 14 departments where tests related to DNA, serology, crime and death scene investigations, fire arms/toolmarks identification, postmortem toxicology, questioned documents, audio visuals, cybercrime investigations and computer forensic are carried out. The lab also provides assistance to other provinces in selected cases.