Govt approves Rs1 billion for advanced forensic machinery

LAHORE: In a bid to increase the capacity of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), the Punjab government has approved funds of Rs one billion for the purchase of modern machinery and lab equipment as per the requirement of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.

The spokesperson of the Punjab Home Department said that Punjab Forensic Science Agency played a key role in solving heinous crimes and high profile cases. The forensic tests are conducted for timely identification of criminals involved in such cases.

The government has approved the upgradation of the testing labs equipment and machinery used in the agency. He said the age-old machinery will be replaced with modern technology that will make DNA and other important tests available in less time and with greater accuracy. With modern technology, the test results will be available in hours, instead of days, he added. He also informed that the government is planning to conduct all important tests of division and district level at Punjab Forensic Science Agency in the next phase.

Two development schemes approved

The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) on Friday approved two development schemes worth about more than Rs514.853 million.

The seventh meeting of Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) Fiscal Year 2024-25 was held under the chairmanship of Planning and Development (P&D) Board Chairman Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan and approved two development schemes of Mines and Minerals and Urban Development sectors at an estimated cost of Rs514.853 million

The approved schemes included potential evaluation of placer gold deposits in the Indus River at District Attock at the cost of Rs48.200 million and storm water drainage system from Haji Camp to River Ravi via Laxmi Chowk, McLeod Road, Nabha Road, Chauburji and Sham Nagar, Lahore, at the cost of Rs466.653 million

Secretary P&D Board Dr Asif Tufail, Secretary Environment Raja Jehangir Anwar, Chief Economist Dr Nasir Iqbal Malik, Members P&D Board, heads and senior representatives of the relevant provincial departments attended the meeting.