KARACHI: Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL), University of Karachi, has furnished high-quality reports of more than 8000 cases.
SFDL, established through the support of the Sindh Health Department, Government of Sindh, is the only ISO 17,025 certified laboratory in the country, offering comprehensive DNA and Serology services in Sind Province.
Prof Dr Farzana Shaheen, the Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, expressed these views while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the one-day training on “Utility of Forensic DNA in Disaster Management and the Criminal Justice System" held in the Prof. Salimuzzaman Siddiqui Auditorium, ICCBS.
Prof. Farzana Shaheen welcomed the officials of the armed forces, Sindh Police, law enforcement and security departments, rescue services, medico-legal, and prosecution departments to the training session.
She said this specialized training is designed to provide participants with key strategies and effective tools. She noted that SFDL not only plays a vital role in routine DNA forensics but also actively engages in research in DNA forensics.
SFDL laboratory at the ICCBS is also providing capacity-building opportunities for the police, prosecution, and law enforcement agencies, she said.
Dr Summaiya Syed said that SFDL has played a pivotal role in solving the cases of sexual violence, especially, in the province. She pointed out that the conviction rate in Sindh province has increased from 4 to 15 percent after the establishment of SFDL at the ICCBS, University of Karachi.
She underlined the significance of the continuous training of all relevant actors of the Criminal Justice System in the Sindh province.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, in the ceremony, gave a detailed presentation about the progress of the SFDL. He said the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) is committed to aligning itself with the latest advancements in the field of forensic DNA and these research initiatives are aiming to position it at the forefront in the field and ensure its competitiveness among other forensic labs globally.
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A penal discussion was also held in the training session.
