Punjab Forensic Science Agency merged into new authority as DG appointment begins

The Punjab government has integrated the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) into the newly established Punjab Forensic Science Authority under the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2025.

LAHORE: The Punjab government has integrated the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) into the newly established Punjab Forensic Science Authority under the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2025. The government has also begun preparations to appoint a permanent Director General (DG) to lead the organisation.

According to the Home Department a high-level selection committee led by the Chairman of the Punjab Planning and Development Board will oversee the recruitment process. Former PFSA Director General Dr Muhammad Amjad stepped down to facilitate a transparent selection process. However he remains eligible to apply for the new position alongside other qualified candidates.

Special Secretary Home Faisal Farid has been assigned additional charge as the authority’s interim Director General. Officials including senior Home Department representatives and PFSA management attended a farewell ceremony for Dr Amjad.

New law reshapes Punjab’s forensic system

The PFSA was originally established under legislation enacted in 2007 with its main laboratory located at Thokar Niaz Baig on Multan Road in Lahore. The Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2025 repealed the earlier law and introduced a revised administrative framework.

Under the new legislation, the authority will operate from Lahore under the provincial chief minister’s direct oversight. Its board of governors is composed of senior government officials and experts in the scientific and forensic fields.

One significant change removes the previous legal requirement for the Director General to be a qualified forensic expert. The law also allows the chief minister to determine the tenure of the DG and provides for a BS-20 officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service or Provincial Management Service to fill a vacancy.

Rs. 8 billion allocated for modernisation

The provincial government has allocated Rs. 8 billion for upgrading forensic facilities and plans to establish regional laboratories across northern central and southern Punjab.

The authority covers 14 specialised disciplines including DNA testing toxicology digital forensics firearms examination fingerprint analysis and crime-scene investigation. Its work supports criminal investigations through scientific examination of evidence.

The PFSA has also handled evidence in several high-profile cases including the Zainab and Chunian cases and the Ahmedpur Sharqia tragedy.

A dedicated training facility with 16 laboratories was inaugurated on January 2022 to enhance forensic skills of the personnel from different provinces.

The administrative restructuring is intended to modernise forensic services improve oversight and expand scientific support for law enforcement across Punjab. The authority’s effectiveness will depend on implementation of the new framework and continued investment in specialised personnel and laboratory facilities.