Peshawar to have rehabilitation center, forensic lab

PESHAWAR: In a move aimed at fostering rehabilitation and support for young offenders, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Interior Department has mandated the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all divisional headquarters.

The rehabilitation centers will also provide essential amenities to minor prisoners. This includes bedding, clothing and sanitary facilities. The interior department has also affirmed a strict no-tolerance policy towards any form of physical violence within these centers, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the juveniles.

Moreover, the department has made substantial reforms in the legal process surrounding juvenile offenders. Accused minors will now be produced in court within 24 hours of filing an FIR (First Information Report). Additionally, families of arrested juvenile offenders will be notified before any arrests are made, ensuring transparency and the involvement of parents or guardians in the process. A medical board will also be established to accurately determine the age of arrested offenders.

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In another update, the KP Health Advisor Riaz Anwar has announced that Peshawar will soon have its first state-of-the-art forensic lab in Hayatabad, Phase 7. He said that the cabinet has approved the establishment of the lab.

The Peshawar forensic lab will serve as a center of excellence in conducting medical and non-medical tests and analyses. Highly trained foreign experts will be engaged to facilitate a wide range of services, including post-mortem examinations, poison detection, and DNA testing for identification purposes. The lab will also handle firearms and fingerprint analysis.

To ensure the seamless operation of the forensic lab, accommodations will be provided on-site for its employees, allowing for swift responses to forensic investigations and the delivery of justice.