A 20-member delegation of senior Bangladeshi officials visited the Punjab Science Enclave in Lahore and held a meeting with Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, where both sides discussed cooperation in science, forensic technology and criminal justice reforms.
The delegation, comprising additional secretaries and joint secretaries from Bangladesh, was briefed on the Punjab government’s flagship scientific and technological initiatives. The visiting officials toured state-of-the-art laboratories established at the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) and the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA). Director General Civil Services Academy Farhan Aziz Khawaja accompanied the delegation during the visit.
Speaking on the occasion, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said Pakistan and Bangladesh are bound together by enduring ties of mutual respect and goodwill. He highlighted that some of Pakistan’s leading scientists are serving at the Punjab Science Enclave, adding that the premier forensic laboratory is not only supporting Punjab but also assisting other provinces.
Dr. Qazi further stated that Crime Scene Investigation Services are being expanded across Punjab to strengthen modern forensic-based policing. He also emphasized that comprehensive prison reforms are being introduced to transform jails into rehabilitation centers, while efforts are underway to make the criminal justice system more transparent and efficient with the support of the judiciary.
Head of the Bangladeshi delegation, Salma Siddiqa Mehtab, praised Pakistan’s hospitality and termed the country’s rapid advancement in technology “highly impressive.” She said the modern infrastructure at the Punjab Science Enclave serves as a model for South Asia.
Mehtab announced that Bangladesh intends to send vaccines and other samples to Punjab for testing and analysis in the future. She also expressed hope that the successful visit would pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in multiple sectors.
DG Civil Services Academy Farhan Aziz Khawaja described PFSA and PAFDA as “state-of-the-art institutions” that are becoming a matter of pride for both Punjab and Pakistan.
Senior officials including Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, DG PAFDA Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, DG PFSA Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Additional Secretary Police Kanwar Anwar Ali Khan and other officials were also present during the visit. Honorary shields were presented to the visiting delegation at the conclusion of the briefing and tour.
