History of Digital Forensic Lab Gilgit-Baltistan

The establishment of the Gilgit-Baltistan Digital Forensic Lab (GB-DFL) is a significant step towards enhancing the region's capacity for modern crime investigation. The Gilgit-Baltistan Development Working Party (GB-DDWP) initially approved the project on March 11, 2022, with an allocated budget of Rs. 56.800 million.

Recognizing the evolving needs and scope of digital forensics, the project underwent a revision. The revised project was subsequently re-approved by the GB-DDWP on September 25, 2024, with a revised budget of Rs. 177.275 million. Administrative approval for this revised project was issued on November 13, 2024.

The approved scope of the GB-DFL encompasses several key components: · Establishment of a Computer & Mobile Forensic Lab. · Establishment of a Latent Fingerprint Lab. · Creation of a Crime Scene Investigation Unit

A significant milestone has been achieved with the Computer & Mobile Forensic Lab now operational. This was made possible through the procurement of essential hardware and software, and the provision of certification training from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.

Progress is ongoing in other areas of the project. The procurement of equipment and items for the Latent Fingerprint Lab and the Crime Scene Investigation Unit is currently in process.