In a landmark development for gender inclusion within Pakistan’s justice sector, a three-day training on Forensic Investigation Techniques was held at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) in Lahore. The event, conducted under the German Embassy-supported Gender Parity Project, brought together an equal number of women and men from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s judiciary, police, and prosecution services—signaling a significant advance for gender-balanced representation.
The training drew participants from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy (KPJA), senior police officials, and public prosecutors, offering intensive skills development in modern forensic processes. For the first time in such an initiative, 16 women—including senior civil judges, prosecutors, and police representatives—joined their 16 male counterparts from across the province, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to gender parity in a field long dominated by men.
The program focused on building participants’ capacities in forensic investigation, equipping them to handle complex criminal cases and incidents involving gender-based violence more effectively. Through a blend of practical modules and theoretical instruction, attendees learned to bridge the gap between crime scene forensics and courtroom procedures, fostering closer collaboration between scientific evidence and legal processes.
Notably, the event underscored the increasing visibility and leadership of women in all justice sector roles. This balanced participation reflected a cultural shift towards empowerment, enabling women to exercise influence and authority from the courtroom to the crime scene.
The Gender Parity Project, backed by international support and local commitment, is seen as a model for cultivating equity in Pakistan’s justice institutions. Such initiatives are gradually reshaping not only legal outcomes but also the norms and expectations of the sector, paving the way for a more inclusive and responsive justice system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
