Governor inaugurates first-ever centre for digital forensic science at KU

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan inaugurated the first-ever centre for digital forensic science and technology (CDFST) at the University of Karachi on Tuesday.

The governor, who is also the Chancellor of KU, said this was the need of the hour and the KU had the privilege to establish such a centre in the country. He also shed lights on the importance and need of CDFST in the country in general and particularly in Karachi.

The governor was addressing at the Dr A Q Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Auditorium. Later, he went to unveil the foundation stone of CDFST located near KU bureau of composition, compilation and translation.

During his speech, he also appreciated the role and services of Pakistan Army and the law enforcing agencies. “The safe recovery of Barrister Awais Shah, son of the Chief Justice Sindh, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, is the best example of their commitment, efforts and hardworking attitude,” said the governor.

The governor added that the kidnapping of Awais Shah had raised eye brows and the public was questioning that if the federal and provincial governments and LEAs could not make sure safety of high-profile personalities then how could they secure life of a common man.

He said: “We were worried if Awais Shah was transported outside the country, it would take a lot of time to bring him back but fortunately the LEAs quickly recovered him.”

He felicitated the Sindh chief justice, family members and the law enforcement agencies for save recovery of Awais Shah and said it would help restore confidence of masses in state institutions.

The governor congratulated KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Qaiser, and his team on stepping towards the world of achievements, especially in the field of digital forensic science and technology despite all the difficulties.

“I foresee that the substantiating advancement will rejuvenate the supremacy of this nation on the globe. This centre will definitely be playing its role as one of the paving components for rule of law. All of us know that the rule of law requires balance between rights and responsibilities where no one is above the law. The constitution guarantees fundamental rights and everyone is supposed to have access to justice including the accused.”

The KU chancellor hoped that this blended education of digital forensic science would serve the purpose in letter and spirit. Besides imparting education in this field, it will also provide the technical training to the officers of law enforcement agencies.

“The centre will support law enforcement agencies on one hand and judiciary on the other hand for quick justice. It will play an important role in the criminal justice system by providing digital evidences.”

According to him, the University of Karachi has been contributing to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research since 1951.

“I hope following the legacy of the university, this centre will foster and produce students of the highest intellectual potential, irrespective of social, religious and financial considerations. The dedicated, highly qualified, professional faculty members and digital forensic experts will play their due role for this paradigm shift and will bring a positive change in all aspects.”

He assured that he would talk to the federal and provincial governments as well as private sector to come forward and help this Centre. He also lauded the efforts of Sardar Yasin Malik for providing financial aid for the Centre.

The governor believed that this centre would be a beacon of light for a good future of Pakistani society which is already facing tremendous challenges at internal and external level. “I hope the Centre would promote and deliver the highest standards of education and research excellence and would meet the expectations of the public and government.”

Meanwhile, KU VC Professor Dr Muhammad Qaiser said that digital forensic science education and training was of prime importance for the development of the nation. “No country can progress until it keeps pace with the development and rapid progress of the technology.”

He said that the Centre would keep functioning and providing support to the law enforcement agencies like police, Rangers, FIA, NAB as well as judiciary for quick justice.

He stated that the Centre would play an integral role in the criminal justice system by providing impartial, scientific opinion based on digital evidences. He also mentioned that digital forensic investigation was divided into several sub-branches depending on the digital devices like computer forensics, network forensics and mobile device forensics.

He further said that the Centre would educate resolving complex criminal cases and would be a bridge in providing easy access to criminal justice system with its advanced curriculum.

“This advanced digital evidence educational system would add a value to the conventional system of Pakistan. We understand that police and LEAs would have a growing demand in future for inducting digital forensic analysts/ experts to make their investigations more effective, objective and scientific in nature rather than relying on the existing obsolete methodology and technology.”

He announced that within a span of one year the scope of the Centre would be broadened. Other aspects would also be included in it such as finger printing and DNA sequencing as the facility was available at their centralised lab which would be linked with the Centre, he added.