Enhance Forensic Capabilities Bill Passed in Pakistan: A New Era of Security and Investigation
Islamabad: The National Assembly has passed the ‘National Forensic Agency’ Bill 2024 by majority vote.
According to the details, the National Assembly passed the important bill to enhance forensic capabilities in Pakistan by majority vote. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi presented it.
Enhance Forensic Capabilities Bill Passed in Pakistan
The Pakistan National Forensic Agency (PNFA) will soon have its headquarters in Islamabad. According to the recently passed Enhance Forensic Capabilities Bill. This agency will be responsible for providing forensic services to all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. The new law aims to improve digital forensics, cyber forensics, and electronic devices analysis across Pakistan. The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on foreign countries for forensic services. It will make the country more self-sufficient in handling forensic cases.
Under the bill, the National Forensic Agency will operate with a focus on national security matters. It will Provide a huge support to law enforcement agencies, preserving digital forensic materials, and offering expert testimony to courts. The establishment of the agency will also lead to the creation of specialized departments in forensics and digital forensics. Also it will be ensuring cutting-edge resources and knowledge are available domestically.
To manage the agency’s operations, a board of governors will oversee its functions, with a 3-member executive committee handling its financial and administrative affairs. In case of an emergency, the executive committee will act on behalf of the board. The new law also requires the government to appoint the Director-General (DG) of the agency within six months, and the DG must have no dual citizenship.
This bill aims to elevate the forensic capabilities in Pakistan by upgrading existing forensic labs and establishing a dedicated digital forensic lab. These improvements are expected to help solve crimes, enhance security, and strengthen Pakistan’s judicial system.
With the passing of this Bill, the country takes a significant step toward enhancing its investigative and forensic capabilities.