Karachi University Launches Sindh’s First Digital Forensic Science Center

ISLAMABAD: The University of Karachi has officially inaugurated the Center of Digital Forensic Science and Technology (CDFST), a cutting-edge facility dedicated to advancing research, training, and cybersecurity in Sindh.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi inaugurated the center’s state-of-the-art building. The federal government funded the project through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). It marks Sindh’s third forensic facility and the first digital forensic center established within a university.

According to Saeed Sheikh, Director of the Directorate of Planning and Development, the center is part of a mega project launched in 2018. The broader initiative also includes the establishment of new research center and a girls’ hostel on campus.

“We’ve completed construction and handed over the building to the university,” Sheikh told the media reporters. “The delivery of lab equipment and other essential materials will be finalized soon.”

He noted that digital forensics in Pakistan is still in its early stages, handled mainly by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing and the Punjab Forensic Agency. “This new center will integrate all digital forensic facilities under one roof,” Sheikh added.

Built for Rs. 308 million, the 38,000-square-foot facility includes 23 classrooms, 11 laboratories, 32 offices, and 18 storerooms. The complex is equipped with advanced security systems and accessibility features for persons with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive environment for students and researchers.

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Dr. Nadeem Mahmood, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, described the CDFST as “a complete digital forensic lab and academic center.” He said the facility is designed to train the next generation of digital forensics experts and to strengthen forensic education across Sindh.

Dr. Mahmood explained that while construction is complete, the academic and operational planning will take an additional two to four months before the centre becomes fully functional.