National Forensic Agency Officially Begins Operations in Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan (March 19, 2026): The National Forensic Agency (NFA) has officially commenced full-scale operations in Islamabad, marking a major milestone in Pakistan’s criminal justice system. This development effectively ends the long-standing reliance of law enforcement agencies across the country on Punjab’s forensic laboratory.
According to officials, the headquarters of the National Forensic Agency was established in Islamabad in 2025. The agency is now fully functional and has already started receiving cases from all provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The NFA comprises dedicated departments for research, general forensics, and a state-of-the-art digital forensics wing. Initially, it is providing services such as fingerprint analysis, digital forensics, and narcotics analysis. The digital forensics unit will play a key role in assisting matters related to national security.
The agency will extend its services directly to the police, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and other law enforcement bodies. It will also preserve digital forensic evidence and provide expert witnesses in courts.
Officials believe that the operationalization of NFA will significantly improve the quality and timeliness of forensic investigations nationwide, leading to more effective crime detection and stronger prosecution in courts.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s forensic capabilities and strengthening the overall criminal justice infrastructure.