On Friday, Pakistan’s Senate approved the National Forensic Agency Act 2024, a landmark move aimed at revolutionizing the country’s forensic capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign services.
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The legislation establishes the National Forensic Agency (NFA), headquartered in Islamabad, to provide cutting-edge forensic services for private and government labs nationwide. It introduces specialized units for digital forensics, research, and conventional forensic sciences to address modern challenges like cybercrime, deepfakes, and other digital threats.
Presented by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar, the bill passed clause by clause, reflecting bipartisan support. “This Act is pivotal for enhancing Pakistan’s investigative framework and addressing contemporary forensic needs,” Tarar emphasized.
Initially tabled by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on October 17, 2024, the bill underwent review by the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, led by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman.
The agency’s operations will be overseen by a board of governors, chaired by the relevant division’s secretary, with members including the Islamabad IG, NACTA’s National Coordinator, and the DG of the National Police Bureau. The DG, to be appointed within six months, must not hold dual citizenship.
An executive committee will manage financial and administrative emergencies, ensuring swift decision-making. The Act mandates cooperation from all federal and provincial authorities and protects agency personnel from legal proceedings for actions taken in good faith.
Opposition parties expressed concerns over potential provincial overreach, but PPP withdrew its proposed amendments, facilitating smooth passage. Tarar defended the Act as a “national necessity” to modernize forensic infrastructure, bolster law enforcement, and enhance national security.
The NFA promises to transform Pakistan’s forensic landscape, equipping it to meet evolving criminal and investigative challenges effectively.
