STAFF REPORT SWAT: A new regional Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been inaugurated in Swat in order to support the KP police force to improve its criminal investigations by using modern forensic techniques.
FSL Director Muhammad Quresh Khan, UNDP Pakistan Country Director Marc-André Franche and the Ambassador of Switzerland Marc Pierre George inaugurated the lab.
The KPK Government, Switzerland and Netherlands funded the project while equipment, training and support has been arranged by the UNDP. Such support will ensure that cases are processed more quickly and also decrease the burden on the FSL in Peshawar.
“The FSL is an important milestone for UNDP Pakistans Rule of Law project,” said Country Director, UNDP Pakistan Franche adding it ensures that the police have the capacity to conduct criminal investigations quickly using scientific rigour; this speeds up the disposal of cases, improves service delivery and builds trust in the police and the justice system.
The UNDP Pakistan procured laboratory equipment and consumables to bring the laboratory up to international standards. It arranged for specialized training for 14 personnel and 3 M.Phil through the Punjab Forensic Science Agency based in Lahore which is the only state-of-the-art facility in Pakistan.
In addition to the FSL, the Strengthening the Rule of Law project has provided support to the judiciary, promoted alternative dispute resolution, provided capacity support to the police and prosecutors as well as supported legal aid and citizens access to justice.