25 officers of Rescue 1122 imparted training on Forensic DNA sample collection during mass disasters

KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2026) The Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) organized a one-day training session on "Forensic DNA Sample Collection During Mass Disasters" for officers of Rescue 1122 at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD), University of Karachi.

A total of 25 Rescue 1122 officers participated in the training session, which was organized in response to the recommendations made during the multi-stakeholder consultation held at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, following the tragic Gul Plaza incident. The event was jointly organized by the Government of Sindh and the SFDL, University of Karachi.

Among those who addressed the participants were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director ICCBS, Dr. Abid Jalaludeen Sheikh, Director Rescue 1122, Dr. Summaiya Syed, Police Surgeon Karachi, Prof. Dr. Syed Abid Ali, Acting Director ICCBS, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, In-charge and Project Director SFDL, Amir Hasan, Director CPLC, Shanakht Project and Dr. Amir Hussain, Legal Advisor of SFDL, along with other experts.

Dr. Abid Jalaludeen Sheikh stated that, under the law, all kinds of rescue operations covered under the jurisdiction of Rescue 1122, and the organization would now lead all rescue operations in the city. He appreciated the role of ICCBS in fostering coordination among stakeholders. He also requested the ICCBS administration to provide specialized forensic training to selected Rescue 1122 officers.

He pointed out that incidents such as the Gul Plaza tragedy required proper planning and well-defined response strategies. He emphasized that effective emergency response and public safety must remain the top priorities during rescue operations aimed at saving lives.

He further stressed that effective emergency management required comprehensive preparedness, coordinated prevention strategies, and the ability to take timely and well-planned action.

In his video message, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah welcomed the participants to the specialized training session. He said that the training had been organized in response to the recommendations made during the multi-stakeholder consultation held at ICCBS following the tragic Gul Plaza incident.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

"I am confident that this training will further strengthen our collective capacity to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters while upholding the highest standards of forensic science," he said.

He noted that the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory (SFDL) has been at the forefront of forensic DNA analysis in Pakistan.

Professor Dr. Syed Abid Ali appreciated the dedication of Rescue 1122 personnel and said they shoulder a vital responsibility in responding to disasters and protecting lives. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of SFDL, under the leadership of Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan, in providing high-quality training opportunities for stakeholders.

Dr. Summaiya Syed told the participants that the knowledge and skills they acquired during the training would help ensure that biological evidence was collected, preserved, and transported properly, thereby maintaining its integrity and evidentiary value.

"Your actions at the scene can make the difference between the successful identification of victims, the resolution of a criminal investigation, and the delivery of justice," she remarked.

Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan outlined the operational ecosystem of SFDL, noting that it has emerged as a leading center for capacity building in forensic science by regularly conducting training programs for judges, investigating officers, medico-legal experts, prosecutors, and crime scene investigators.

He said that SFDL has been providing scientifically robust forensic evidence that has significantly strengthened criminal investigations and contributed to improving the conviction rate in Sindh from three percent to sixteen percent.

Dr. Amir Hussain delivered a lecture on the legal aspects of the use of forensic DNA evidence in courts of law.

Amir Hasan highlighted the objectives and activities of the CPLC Shanakht Project.

The Rescue 1122 officers also visited the laboratory, observed its operations, and expressed appreciation for its state-of-the-art equipment, technical expertise, and high standards of work.

The program concluded with a technical session followed by a question-and-answer session led by Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Khan and other experts.