PESHAWAR — In a major breakthrough for the provincial justice system, the government is establishing its first-ever state-of-the-art Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Peshawar. Consequently, this initiative will modernize criminal investigations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to an official report submitted to the Peshawar High Court (PHC), the mega-project will cost an estimated PKR 20 billion. Furthermore, the provincial administration has also integrated an Artificial Intelligence (AI) computer lab into the Annual Development Programme (ADP) to boost technological capabilities.
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A two-member bench, led by Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, disclosed these details during a contempt of court hearing regarding the non-implementation of past judicial orders. During the proceedings, officials presented a supplementary report detailing the government’s compliance with court guidelines.
Key Timeline: On March 9, 2026, the provincial cabinet formally included the establishment of the Peshawar Forensic Science Laboratory in its agenda and granted official approval.
Following this decision, the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) prepared and submitted the project’s PC-1, fixing the estimated cost at PKR 20 billion.
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Advanced Tech to Solve Complex Crimes
Once operational, this specialized facility will fundamentally shift reliance away from traditional policing toward scientific evidence. Specifically, the laboratory will utilize advanced techniques to accelerate justice, including:
- DNA Analysis & Fingerprinting: Providing foolproof biological evidence to identify suspects accurately.
- Digital Forensics: Tracing cyber footprints and encrypted data related to criminal networks.
- High-Profile Case Resolution: Solving complex cases of homicide, terrorism, assault, and dacoity through modern scientific methodologies.
AI Lab Added to Annual Development Programme
In addition to the FSL, the government is launching a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) computer lab. This project focuses on secure data preservation and advanced computing.
Managed under the Science, Technology, and Information Technology (ST&IT) sector, the AI initiative is now officially part of the ADP. Therefore, it will run parallel to the forensic facility. Together, these dual projects aim to equip law enforcement with the digital tools necessary to tackle modern crime efficiently.
