The University of Karachi has officially inaugurated the Center of Digital Forensic Science and Technology (CDFST), a modern research and training facility aimed at advancing digital forensics and cybersecurity in Sindh. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi led the inauguration of the newly constructed building, which was funded by the federal government through the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The launch of this facility marks Sindh’s first university-based digital forensic center and the province’s third overall forensic institution.
Saeed Sheikh, Director of the Directorate of Planning and Development, shared that the center is part of a broader project initiated in 2018, which also includes the establishment of a research center and a girls’ hostel on campus. He confirmed that construction work on the building has been completed and formally handed over to the university administration. “The delivery of laboratory equipment and other key materials is in the final stages and will soon be completed,” he told reporters. Sheikh emphasized that digital forensics in Pakistan remains a developing field primarily managed by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing and the Punjab Forensic Agency. With this new center, Karachi University will bring together specialized facilities and academic expertise under one roof, helping expand the nation’s capacity in digital forensic investigation and education.
Constructed at a cost of Rs. 308 million, the CDFST spans 38,000 square feet and features 23 classrooms, 11 laboratories, 32 offices, and 18 storerooms. The building has been equipped with advanced surveillance systems, climate control, and accessibility features to ensure inclusivity for students and faculty with disabilities. The facility’s layout has been designed to support both academic learning and practical forensic training, creating an environment where theoretical knowledge and applied skills can coexist effectively. This development positions Karachi University as a central player in developing Sindh’s digital forensics capabilities, while also strengthening Pakistan’s broader cybersecurity framework through academic collaboration.
Dr Nadeem Mahmood, Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Science, described the CDFST as a complete digital forensic and academic hub built to prepare the next generation of professionals in this specialized discipline. He highlighted that the facility would not only serve as a training ground for students but also function as a research center to address digital crimes and data security challenges in Pakistan. Dr Mahmood added that while the construction phase is complete, operational and academic planning will continue for another two to four months before the center becomes fully functional. Once operational, the CDFST is expected to facilitate cross-institutional research collaborations, contribute to law enforcement investigations, and promote digital literacy through specialized programs.
The establishment of the Center of Digital Forensic Science and Technology reflects a growing focus on integrating technology within higher education and national security initiatives. By aligning with HEC’s goals for innovation-driven education, Karachi University’s initiative represents an important milestone in strengthening the academic infrastructure for digital sciences, ensuring Sindh’s universities play an active role in addressing the challenges of cybercrime, data protection, and forensic technology advancement in Pakistan.
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