Peshawar, 12October 2021—The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Cost-Sharing Agreement to establish a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Peshawar today. Under the cost sharing agreement that extends over three years (2021 to 2023), the GoKP will provide PKR 200 million, and UNDP will contribute PKR 600 million to strengthen rule of law, access to justice and forensic services in KP, including the Merged Areas.

UNDP Strengthening Rule of Law for Peaceful, Just, and Inclusive Societies in Pakistan (Amn-o-Insaf Programme) is supporting the government in strengthening Rule Of Law institutions and access to justice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One of the key priority areas of the UNDP-Amn-o-Insaf programme is strengthening forensic science services in the province. A state-of-the-art Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been established at Landaki Swat, with the support from Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department Mr. Ikram Ullah Khan praised UNDP Amn-o-Insaf Programme for their efforts in strengthening the rule of law and justice system in the province. “A forensic science lab in the province is very important and I am happy that finally, the cost sharing agreement is signed. Hopefully, the dream of an autonomous and well equipped FSL will come true and the partnership with UNDP will prove to be helpful yet again’”

Speaking on the occasion, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby appreciated and recognized the partnership between UNDP and KP Home Department in strengthening rule of law in KP and NMDs. “I am thankful to the GoKP for showing interest in strengthening forensics services in the province and allocating land for the FSL in Peshawar. Resources allocated by the GoKP for the initial designing work of the FSL will pave the way for our work ahead and enhance opportunities to mobilize resources to construct and operationalize an autonomous FSL in Peshawar. UNDP appreciates the trust Secretary H&TAD and his entire team has put in our efforts and together we will deliver great results”. 

The cost sharing agreement was signed by Secretary H&TAD Mr. Ikram Ullah Khan and UNDP Pakistan. Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby, UNDP Pakistan Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Aliona Niculita, Assistant Resident Representative Mr. Kaiser Ishaque, UNDP Programme Specialist Rule of Law Programme Mr. Arshid Jan, Additional Secretary H&TAD Mr. Usman Mehsud, and Deputy Secretary Development H&TAD Mr. Kashif Qayum were also present at the ceremony.

 For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650

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