Islamabad – After being approved by the Senate, the National Forensic Agency Bill 2024 has now been passed by the National Assembly.
The bill was presented in the National Assembly today following its approval in the Senate, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi introducing it in the session.
PPP member Shazia Marri expressed her support for the bill but raised concerns about certain provisions. She noted that the bill opens the door for excessive incarcerations and pointed out that it imposes a fine of just one lakh rupees and one year of imprisonment for a government official who knowingly misuses their power. Marri suggested that the penalty should be increased to at least five lakh rupees.
She also raised an issue regarding the inconsistent use of the term “Prime Minister” in the bill, which she argued could lead to future complications. She recommended that the fine for official misconduct be raised to five lakh rupees instead of one lakh.
In response, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized the importance of forensic science techniques and revealed that a forensic science laboratory would be established in Islamabad. He urged Shazia Marri to withdraw or defer her amendments, assuring that the government would not oppose any future amendments she may propose.
Later, the National Assembly passed the National Forensic Agency Bill 2024.
