Basic Training on Digital Forensics for Counter Terrorism Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Lahore, 26 October 2018 - UNODC, under the framework of Pakistan's Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) Project, organized a five-day training at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) on  'Basic Training in Digital Forensics for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa'   from 22-26 October 2018 with the support of the European Union. The training was attended by thirty officers from specialized technical units of CTD KP; including the Research and Analysis (R&A) Wings and Cyber Forensic Units (CFU) from CTD Headquarters and eight different regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

During the training the CTD KP officials were introduced to Digital Forensics: its identification, collection, preservation, and transportation. The trainees went through case studies to comprehend the concepts, using state-of-the-art mock crime scenes and other facilities at the PFSA. The course was delivered by the finest specialists from the PFSA, providing hands-on training to the CTD KP officials on the tools and techniques used in scientific examination, and the analysis of digital and cellular devices. The trainers guided the technical teams on how to perform forensic investigation on digital evidence, while maintaining the documented chain of custody, to enable its being presented as evidence a court of law.

In addition to the above, a special session was organized on 'Counter Terrorism Financing' delivered by Dr. Ayaz Khan, Director (R&A Wing) CTD KP. Dr. Ayaz presented the national and international legal instruments for countering terrorism financing, including Pakistan's obligations under various UN Security Council Resolutions. He provided detailed insight on the traditional sources of terrorist funding, and the use of modern technologies by terrorist groups; while emphasizing the importance of  digital forensics in their successful investigation and disruption.  

During the course's closing session Dr. Tahir Ashraf, Director General PFSA, lauded the sacrifices of the KP Police in battling the menace of terrorism in the province, and welcomed the programme of CTD KP's  advanced training in the field of digital forensics. The DG registered his  appreciation of the seminal support of UNODC and the EU towards effecting major change in the country's criminal justice system. The CTD KP officers expressed their complete satisfaction with the training, and likewise applauded the efforts of the PACT team. On conclusion of the session Dr. Tahir presented    the  participants   with Certificates.