Forensic databank: Khyber Medical College is allowed DNA testing

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government moved to authorise the Khyber Medical College (KMC) to carry out DNA testing.

Law enforcement officials had been facing difficulties as they could carry out minor tests at their Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), but DNA testing was beyond the laboratory’s capabilities.

Officials said that police would now be able to probe various cases with scientific certainty, adding that the process of switching over from analogue to digital world would definitely take some time.
“This was a huge problem for us. We needed to send samples to other cities and the entire process was time consuming. (Investigations of) our cases were delayed,” a senior police official said.

According to him, this facility would help complete investigations and close files without unnecessary delay.

“We will (now) have a databank of criminals and convicts. This is something really positive,” Senior Superintendent Police and FSL Rabnawaz Khan said. “The Khyber Medical College is already carrying out autopsies. Addition of this facility will enhance the capabilities of police department,” he said.

Forensic evidence, he said, was not only useful for tracing people, adding that police could now keep record of all persons convicted by courts.

Khan said: “DNA testing proves definite evidence.”

Source: The Express Tribune