Pakistan has officially launched its first National Forensic Agency (NFA), marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s crime investigation and national security capabilities. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the agency became operational on Friday following the enactment of the National Forensic Agency Bill, 2024.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the agency’s headquarters and expressed confidence that the institution would play a vital role in assisting law enforcement agencies and curbing crime across the country. He directed officials to expand the agency’s presence by establishing offices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
قلیل مدت میں پاکستان کی پہلی جدید ترین نیشل فرانزک ایجنسی مکمل فعال
وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کا نیشل فرانزک ایجنسی کا دورہ
وزیر داخلہ نے نیشل فرانزک ایجنسی میں قائم ریسرچ اینڈ انوویشن لیب، ڈیجیٹل فرانزک لیب، نارکوٹکس لیب، فنٹیک لیب اور کوایشچن ایبل ڈاکومنٹ لیب کا دورہ کیا pic.twitter.com/ksHU5GQdAl— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) April 3, 2026
During the visit, Director General Hasnaat Rasool briefed the minister on the agency’s progress, stating that its first operational phase has been completed. He revealed that around 1,500 digital forensic cases had already been handled within a year, highlighting the growing need for advanced investigative tools.
The NFA is equipped to provide a wide range of forensic services, particularly in digital forensics. These include deepfake detection, computer and mobile forensics, as well as audio, video, network, and drone analysis. Officials said these capabilities would significantly enhance the country’s ability to tackle modern and technology-driven crimes.
Plans are also underway to expand the agency’s infrastructure, with 25 specialised laboratories set to be established in the second phase. The interior minister visited several key facilities, including the Research and Innovation Lab, Digital Forensics Lab, Narcotics Lab, FinTech Lab, and Questioable Documents Lab. He also inspected units dedicated to DNA analysis, firearms, serology, and explosives.
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Praising the team’s efforts, Naqvi commended the swift operationalisation of the agency and emphasised the importance of public awareness regarding its services, calling it a major milestone in Pakistan’s law enforcement framework.