Maryam wants FTL linked with varsities

LAHORE: “Link the Forensic Training Lab (FTL) with universities,” said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during her visit to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) Headquarters on Monday to have a briefing on its activities.

She said: “Training and internship will be offered to students studying in forensic sciences in private and public sector universities.” She gave in-principle approval to centralize departmental labs under the PAFDA and directed early completion and activation of PAFDA projects. She gave directives to activate an evidence centre in DG Khan. She visited the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and inspected the automated fingerprint system, the automated ballistic system for identification of arms and ammunition and the genetic analyzer machine.

She was briefed about the procedure of polygraph examination and chromosome marking method in the DNA Serology. She was told that the forensic agency was providing services all over Pakistan. It is monitoring the crime scene through a satellite station and conducting 14-discipline forensic tests.

Senator Pervez Rasheed, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and MPA Sania Ashiq accompanied the chief minister. The chief secretary, the home secretary and other officers were present. Maryam Nawaz has expressed grief over the martyrdom of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and his companions in a helicopter crash.

She offered condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved families and Iranian people in this hour of great national loss. She said: “The martyrdom of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi is an irreparable loss for Iran. We share the grief and suffering of the people of Iran. Raisi’s services for the promotion of Pakistan-Iran relations will never be forgotten.”

The CM met parliamentarians from Lahore including, Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and MPA Marghoob Ahmed She said, “I am committed to making people’s lives easier,” said Maryam Nawaz . She added: “The dirt streets of every city including Lahore will be paved. Urban sanitation and sustainable solid waste management systems are on the cards.” She assured them to take all possible measures to solve public problems.

Earlier, both the visiting public representatives apprised the chief minister of public issues and development needs of their constituencies. The general situation of the province also came under discussion. The legislators appreciated various initiatives of Maryam for the welfare of people. They reiterated their determination to work together for the development of Punjab. Aleem acknowledged: “Maryam Nawaz’s vision and speed to solve public problems is commendable. The launch of the Nawaz Sharif IT City Project can be a game-changer for the province.” Marghoob said: “The fate of Lahore’s slums and suburban settlements is changing.”

Senator Pervez Rashid and Special Assistant Zeeshan Malik were present in the meeting. Taking notice of the death of a young student in a school roof collapse in Muzaffargarh, the CM said, “Those guilty of negligence should be identified and punished as per law.”

She sought a report from the DC Muzaffargarh and expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family. She directed the authorities concerned to provide best treatment facilities to the students.