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National Forensic Agency Act, 2024

Status

Passed

Passage Date

12/24/2024

Summary

Summary of The National Forensics Agency Act, 2024

Objective:
The National Forensics Agency Act, 2024, aims to establish a National Forensics Agency (NFA) in Pakistan to conduct forensic examinations and provide expert opinions to courts, tribunals, and various authorities on civil, criminal, corporate, and public matters. The Agency is designed to assist in investigations conducted by federal or provincial government agencies upon request.

Key Provisions:

  1. Establishment and Structure:

    • The NFA is established as an independent body with financial and administrative autonomy, headquartered in Islamabad. It may set up additional offices as needed.
    • The Agency comprises a Director General, Directors, Additional Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, and other prescribed officers and employees.

  2. Functions and Responsibilities:

    • Expand infrastructure and human resources, including establishing a research department and a state-of-the-art digital forensics department.
    • Act as a central coordinating agency offering conventional and digital forensic services to government departments and the private sector.
    • Maintain a database of forensic materials and analyses, and provide expert opinions and testimonies in legal proceedings.
    • Conduct research, training, and development in forensic science and related technologies.
    • Coordinate with provincial governments, public and private institutions, and international organizations for research and training programs.

  3. Governance:

    • The Agency is overseen by a Board of Governors comprising high-ranking officials from various government departments.
    • The Director General is appointed by the Federal Government and is responsible for the Agency's day-to-day operations.

  4. Financial Provisions:

    • The NFA Fund is established to finance the Agency's operations, consisting of government grants, fees for services, donations, and other sources.

  5. Legal Framework:

    • Employees of the Agency are considered public servants under the Pakistan Penal Code.
    • The Agency's reports and opinions are admissible as evidence in legal proceedings.
    • Provisions are made for the re-examination of forensic materials and protection against legal actions for acts done in good faith.

  6. Miscellaneous:

    • The Act allows for the transfer of assets and employees from the National Forensics Science Agency (NFSA) Project to the NFA.
    • It outlines offenses and penalties for providing false, incorrect, or misleading opinions.
    • The government may issue policy directives to the Agency and