Forensic Science's Relevance in Pakistan's Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Forensic science is an essential aspect of the world of criminal investigations, providing unbiased scientific evidence to link suspects to crimes, and convict or exhonerate. In Pakistan on the other hand, the application of the forensic science is meeting with impediments in its proper integration with the criminal justice system. This is a study of the importance of forensic science in Pakistan’s criminal justice system, through the perspective of the role of crime scene support, the use of forensic technology, and the problems and obstacles to effectively use forensic evidence by the police. Based on qualitative interviews with forensic scientists, police officers and lawyers, the research discerns systemic themes including poor collection policies, insufficient resources and training for police, legal loopholes, and the need to overhaul the system. Results demonstrate that forensic science could contribute substantially to criminal intelligence investigations and to reducing false convictions; however, inadequate management of crime scenes, lack of specialized training, and legal paradoxes limit its use. The drift demands major law reform initiatives to enhance the incorporation of forensic science into the criminal justice system of Pakistan in forms of extensive law enforcement training, forensic infrastructure, and legal practices.