The Sindh government has not fully released over Rs183 million in outstanding dues for the independent ISO-17025 certified forensic DNA and serology lab, despite the lapse of a year. There are plans to shift the lab to the CHK Chemical Examiner’s office, but the performance of this office is believed to be below satisfactory. This could lead to the closure of the lab, which has provided high-quality reports in over 8,000 cases, including high-profile cases, over the last five years. The lab’s MoU with the health department has expired, and there are concerns about transparency in medical reports and the country being deprived of a facility providing authentic DNA reports. The lab has not been able to continue its services as of December 20, 2023, due to the non-release of outstanding funds and the lack of MoU renewal. The lab has achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2017(E) accreditation, and its staff has been praised for their competence. They have provided high-quality reports in various high-profile cases, including the PIA plane crash, the baby Maham case, the Nooriabad road accident, and the suicide attack on Chinese academics. The lab has also helped identify bodies and bring culprits to justice in criminal cases.
Home English Newspaper Funding stoppage pushes Pakistan’s leading independent DNA lab to the brink of...