LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to develop a centralised DNA database to identify habitual criminals, tasking the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) with collecting DNA records from criminals across the province, officials said on Monday.

The Punjab home department has also mandated the collection and recording of DNA data from all inmates in Punjab jails, requiring relevant departments to gather DNA from habitual offenders.`The DNA database will not only help identify criminals but also serve as vital evidence for law enforcement agencies and courts, enabling faster and more informed decisions,` a home department spokesperson said.

Following an order from Home Department Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, a five-member working group, led by PFSA Director General Dr Muhammad Amjad, has been formed to develop a framework for the central DNA database.

The group includes Deputy Inspector General of Police Athar Waheed,Centre of Excellence in MolecularBiologyDirector Prof Dr Muazur Rehman, PFSA Administration Director Mirza Waleed Baig, and King Edward Medical University`s biomedical sciences department head, Associate Professor Dr Nighat Yasmeen.

The working group`s first meeting, scheduled for Monday (today), will focus on outlining the central DNA database`s framework, proposing recommendations for its establishment and maintenance, and finalising a proposal for the Punjab home secretary within a week.