European Union announced 2.5m euros of support for Punjab Forensic Science Agency
Highlighting the use of forensic evidence in the effectiveness of the judicial processes, European Union (EU) Ambassador Jean-Francois Cautain has announced 2.5m euros of support for Punjab Forensic Science Agency.
“I will like to call for the government of Punjab to encourage them to further develop and strengthen the legal base for utilizing forensic evidence in the criminal justice system,” Mr Cautain said at a ceremony held at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) on Monday.
The EU Ambassador Jean-François Cautain said:
“The EU is committed to contributing to the better criminal justice system in Pakistan. This continuous support in the field of forensics in Punjab is a crucial part of our rule of law cooperation with the Government of Punjab.”
My third visit to Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), state-of-the-art laboratory in #Lahore to launch a new @EUPakistan support of 2.5 million euro implemented by @ukinpakistan. Forensic evidences based on labs such as PFSA are essential in criminal justice & CT. @TomDrewUK pic.twitter.com/QwJrJenXL1
— JeanFrançois Cautain (@JFCautainEU) February 13, 2018
The fund will support forensic science as part of a joint project between the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) and the British High Commission in Islamabad.
This project is aimed at achieving international certification for the PFSA and increasing the use of forensics at provincial level to support better justice outcomes.
William Middleton, political counsellor at the British High Commission in Islamabad; PFSA Director General Dr Ashraf Tahir; and the additional chief secretary also attended the ceremony.
The British Political Counsellor Will Middleton said:
“The UK already has a very strong relationship with the Punjab government on justice sector reform. This is the sixth year of collaboration between the UK and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, and I look forward to enhancing this work alongside our EU partners.
He added that “Strengthening the rule of law is a priority for UK-Pakistan cooperation” and hoped that the project will further develop the Punjab Forensic Science Agency’s capabilities in securing justice for the people of Pakistan.