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Phase 1 (2005 Deadline)
Intensification of Forensic Services and Research at Centre for Applied Molecular Biology
Mohammad Ashraf Tahir, Strand Analytical Laboratories, LLC
Sheikh Riazuddin, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology
Pakistani Funding (MoST): $118,650
US Funding: $160,000
Project Dates on US Side: January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2007 (Completed) Project Overview The Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB) is currently the only dedicated laboratory in Pakistan engaged in forensic DNA research, and it provides DNA testing services in criminal cases, mass disasters, and paternity disputes. This multifaceted project was designed to address the three primary elements of forensic science—evidence collection, analysis, and presentation—in expanding CAMB’s technical infrastructure and improving the skills of its staff and others involved in the collection and use of evidence. Law enforcement and medical personnel were trained in evidence collection techniques, and attorneys and judges were instructed on the basics of forensic science to help them use such evidence appropriately for prosecution or defense purposes. On the infrastructure side, CAMB’s existing DNA testing and serology facilities were improved, and new capacities were added for the analysis of fingerprints, hair, fiber, and chemical trace evidence. Major Results - Provided six young Pakistani scientists with training in forensic lab techniques and evidence processing at Strand Analytical Laboratories
- Conducted a series of workshops for more than 180 police officers, lab technicians, medical examiners, attorneys, and judges focusing on various aspects of evidence collection, processing, and courtroom presentation
- Attracted favorable attention from the Punjab provincial government, leading them to establish a major new forensic lab facility
Progress Report Summaries Show all progress summaries | Hide progress summaries 2008 Show summary || Hide summary || Download full report Building on the success of this two-year project, Dr. Tahir was awarded a new grant under Phase 3 of the program in early 2008 to work on a related topic with another colleague from CAMB. 2007 Show summary || Hide summary || Download full report On July 18-19, 2007, another two-day workshop on crime scene evidence collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody was held at CAMB, and a final workshop was held November 21-22, 2007. On the US of the project, four young staff members from CAMB successfully completed six months of training at Strand in 2006, and two more arrived for a similar training program in September 2007. 2006 Show summary || Hide summary || Download full report On December 15-16, 2006, a two-day workshop on crime scene search and modern forensic techniques attracted 79 attendees from various civilian and military police agencies and medico-legal physicians. In conjunction with this event, a one-day workshop for members of the judiciary, “DNA for Justice,” was conducted on December 16, 2006. In addition to Dr. Tahir, US presenters included Judge Lisa Borges (formerly a public prosecutor) and Mr. Terry Gilbert, a defense attorney. Rana Bhagwan Das, at that time a justice on the Supreme Court of Pakistan, served as keynote speaker for the event, which was attended by 24 judges, prominent lawyers, and members of the CEMB staff. 
Dr. Tahir (at right) training four Pakistani students from CAMB at Strand
Laboratories in 2006. |
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