A Critical Case Study on the Role and Admissibility of Forensic Science Evidence in the Criminal Justice System of Pakistan

Abstract

This study is to examine the paramount importance of forensic science evidence in criminal justice system of Pakistan, and for this purpose how its admissibility emerges significantly on which forensics innovations are replacing old accepted practices including future insights. It delves into doctrinal legal research to evaluate the laws which presently exist and cases that has surfaced in recent years, so as to investigate empirically how forensic evidence affects judicial outcomes. In Pakistan, forensic science evidence is regulated under the Criminal Procedure Code and Qanun-e-Shahadat Order, 1984 and provides a set of principles as to in what circumstances such type of proof shall be admissible. This includes the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act, 2007 to improve forensic capabilities and uniform procedural measures. Insufficiency of procedural lapses and continuous adaptation to the technological advancements are challenges as well as declares application of the existing law regarding forensic physical evidence in Pakistan and to prove through doctrinal legal research. This study uses doctrinal legal research, analysis of statutory provisions, case law and secondary sources to explore admissibility requirements for forensic science methods on criminal cases. Forensic proof has a primary function in the evidential cogency of data, each for proving details and figuring out guilt or inviting. Two case studies illustrate how important it has been in judicial decisions but also expose the risk of procedural failings leading to unreliable results. The Punjab forensic science agency act is a stride in the right direction however it needs to be more aligned with advancing forensics.