PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province inaugurated its first DNA laboratory at Khyber Medical College (KMC) on Tuesday.
Among the attendees at the ceremony were KP’s leading molecular biologists and the provincial government’s health secretary, Abid Majeed.
“When I joined Khyber Medical College in 2013, we only had a PCR machine, which is just one of the components of a DNA lab,” said KMC Principal Dr. Noorul Iman. “Today, our vision for a proper DNA-testing facility has materialized.”
Talking to Arab News, he said that the DNA lab had state-of-the-art American equipment and had cost Rs45 million ($405,900).
Asked how much the lab would charge for performing a DNA test, he said it would “hopefully be less than the Punjab Forensic Science Agency’s Rs25,000,” but added that no final pricing decision has yet been made.
Iman said the DNA lab should have been finished in 2013, but was delayed due to lack of funds. “However, the recent cases of child abuse in the province and other parts of the country have led to public awareness and probably influenced the provincial authorities’ decision to bankroll the project,” he said.
Jamil Khan, a molecular biologist who will be working at the lab, said he had previously worked at the National Forensic Science Agency, Islamabad and performed DNA tests in the wake of the 2007 Red Mosque operation in the federal capital and after the 2012 Baldia Town factory fire in Karachi.
Police Superintendent Shahzada Kokab Farooq told Arab News that, until now, law enforcement agencies in KP had to send samples to Lahore or Islamabad for DNA testing.
“DNA testing is required to identify individuals in various cases, such as suicide attacks, murders and sexual assaults,” he explained. “Setting up the lab in Peshawar will save time and make it easier for us to investigate important cases.”
Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province opens first DNA laboratory
Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province opens first DNA laboratory
Pakistan’s northwestern province warns of road closures as rain, snow forecast
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa says road closures possible in Naran, Kaghan, Kalam and Chitral
- Provincial authorities urge rescue services and relevant departments to stay on alert
PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province warned on Saturday roads leading to some of its most popular tourist destinations could be closed due to rain and snowfall, urging authorities and travelers to remain alert as adverse weather conditions intensify.
The alert comes as Pakistan’s northern and northwestern regions continue to experience cold weather, with intermittent spells of rain and snowfall disrupting daily life and increasing the risk of landslides and road blockages.
Last month, an avalanche struck a house in the province’s Chitral district, killing at least nine people and injuring a child.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is likely to receive rain with thunder from tomorrow night until Tuesday, while snowfall is expected in mountainous areas,” the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in a statement.
“In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the PDMA has directed all district administrations and relevant institutions to remain alert and take precautionary measures,” it added.
The PDMA said rain and snowfall could lead to road closures and slippery conditions in upper areas including Naran, Kaghan, Kalam and Chitral, advising tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution.
It said rain is also expected in several areas of the province, including Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Charsadda, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Lakki Marwat, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
The authority added that district administrations, rescue services and other relevant departments have been placed on high alert, while residents were advised to remain in safe locations during storms, snowfall and strong winds.
