LAHORE: A 20-member delegation of senior officers from Bangladesh visited the Punjab Science Enclave and met Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi.
The delegation, comprising officers of additional secretary and joint secretary level, was given a detailed tour of modern laboratories at the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency. Director General of the Civil Services Academy, Farhan Aziz Khawaja, accompanied the visiting officers, who are currently undergoing advanced training in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on key initiatives of the Punjab government at the Punjab Science Enclave. Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said Pakistan and Bangladesh are bound in an enduring relationship of mutual love and respect. He stated that leading scientists of Pakistan are serving at the enclave and that the premier forensic laboratory is supporting not only Punjab but also other provinces.
He said that crime scene investigation services under the forensic system are being expanded across the province. He added that extensive reforms are being introduced in Punjab’s prisons to transform them into correctional centres. With the support of the judiciary, efforts are underway to make the criminal justice system more transparent and effective, enabling timely and transparent completion of investigation processes.
Head of the Bangladeshi delegation, Salma Siddiqua Mehtab, appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality, calling it memorable and commendable. She said Pakistan is making rapid progress in the field of technology, which impressed the delegation. She noted that the infrastructure of the Punjab Science Enclave is exemplary for South Asia and stated that Bangladesh would, in future, send vaccines and other samples to Punjab for analysis.
She added that following the successful visit, cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in various sectors would be further strengthened.
Speaking on the occasion, Farhan Aziz Khawaja said that the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority are state-of-the-art institutions and a source of pride for Punjab and Pakistan.
Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Director General of the Punjab Agriculture Food and Drug Authority Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, Director General of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Dr Muhammad Amjad, Additional Secretary Police Kunwar Anwar Ali Khan, and other officials were also present.
At the conclusion of the visit and briefing, honorary shields were presented to members of the Bangladeshi delegation.
