DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A one-day specialised training session on the collection, packaging, preservation and chain of custody of biological evidence in gender-based violence (GBV) cases was organised at Police Lines Dera Ismail Khan.
The session was held on the directions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed and Regional Police Officer Dera Region Ghulam Mubashir Maken.
Medical officers, public prosecution officials, DSPs from various police circles, DSPs Investigation, prosecution staff, OIIS personnel and investigating officers from Dera Ismail Khan district participated in the training.
A team of expert instructors from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) provided practical guidance on collecting and preserving biological and medical evidence using modern scientific methods. Participants were also trained in proper packaging and transportation of evidence, along with legal requirements for maintaining its integrity.
The session covered key provisions of the Anti-Rape Act, the importance of forensic evidence in GBV cases and the need to conduct investigations in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Participants were instructed to ensure investigations remained effective, transparent and merit-based while following modern scientific principles and legal requirements. Trainers emphasised that maintaining the integrity and admissibility of evidence was essential for ensuring that accused persons could be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The training aimed to strengthen coordination and professional cooperation among police, medical and prosecution departments, improve investigations through modern forensic techniques and enhance the professional capacity of relevant officials.
The initiative also sought to support the effective administration of justice in gender-based violence cases by ensuring the proper handling, preservation and presentation of forensic evidence in accordance with legal standards.