Enhancing Forensic Evidence Management in Pakistan's Criminal Justice System: A Criminological Analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of forensic evidence in the criminal justice system of Pakistan to prepare legally informed system adjustments to evidence management, procedural guidance, and evidence alignment audit. For this study, a quantitative approach has been selected. Fifty respondents were surveyed from five groups, judges, lawyers, public prosecutors, healthcare professionals, and police officers. The results indicate a consensus within the groups, arguing that the management of forensic evidence has been primarily crucial to integrity and fairness to the trial. Maintaining the integrity of trial evidence and custodianship of forensic samples throughout the trial and its custodial process, preserved samples, and chain of custody were all highlighted. Within and across the groups, respondents raised the issue of the clarity of evidence custody, absence of evidence collecting procedures, and the training of healthcare evidence collectors as problematic. The study has also explored the forensic tools within legislative measures – Qanun-e-Shahadat Ordinance 1984, Criminal Procedure Code (Cr.P.C.) 1898, Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act 2007, and Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 coupled with and within forensic legislation, noting width and depth of far-reaching legislation. Forensic training and evidence collecting procedures mentioned in the study have to be precision driven and integrated. Forensic evidence management system and infrastructure across Pakistan will form the spine of justice. Reliability and fairness of the criminal justice system will depend on the training and infrastructure improvements.