KARACHI: Forensic DNA testing helps identify criminals and absolve the innocent, as DNA analysis has become a foundation stone in criminal investigations.
Prof. Dr. Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, expressed these views while delivering an inaugural speech in the one-day training session for investigation officers (IOs), organized by the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, on Tuesday.
A total of 30 police officials from the Police Investigation Department participated. The officials were given hands-on training at the mock crime scenes. This training session was held to improve the skills of the police personnel regarding the collection of evidence.
SFDL In-charge and Project Director Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan presented the welcome address at the inaugural ceremony. However, the concluding session was also attended and addressed by the AIG Sindh Police (Investigation) Zulfiqar Ali Mahar, Police Surgeon Karachi Dr. Summaiya Syed, and Director CPLC Shanakht Project Amir Hassan.
In her speech, Prof. Farzana Shaheen said the discovery of deoxyribonucleic acid – more commonly known as DNA – was considered one of the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Forensic DNA is an important modern-age tool, which has gained much attention recently in most criminal and civil matters, she maintained. She said this session was a part of the training program designed for various stakeholders separately, catering to their office needs.
AIG Sindh Police Zulfiqar Ali Mahar appreciated the efforts, made by the SFDL, University of Karachi in terms of organizing training programs for police officials, and expressed his satisfaction with the performance and latest equipment of the forensic DNA lab.
In his speech, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of technological advancement in the field of forensic DNA analysis.
He also described the establishment of a modern facility for forensic DNA analysis, which is developed according to international standards containing qualified and trained staff and highly advanced technology.
Training of the police officials is quite important for the proper collection of evidence that helps the dispensation of justice in its true spirit, he pointed out.
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The participants of the training session also paid a visit to Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory. In the end, the participants were conferred with certificates.
