Cybercrime bill is the latest topic being discussed in Pakistan, as people are concerned about their privacy, yet they want to secure themselves from cyber-attacks. Earlier investigations by police and other agencies lacked evidence resulting in criminals walking free from the courts.With progress in science, technology and IT the courtroom tactics are to change.Evidence collection will not be limited to ‘proofs’from the crime scene but also include ‘Digital Forensic’ in crime solving.

Lahore Garrison University (LGU) arranged a seminar on the topic 'Importance of Digital Forensic in Crime Solving' at Pearl Continental Hotel Lahore.The seminar aimed at sensitizing people about the importance, significance and need of digital forensics today.

Former Governor Punjab Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool(Retired) was the Chief Guest, whereas D.G N.A.B (Punjab), Special Police Teams from Lahore and Islamabad, Representatives of FIA and other important people participated in the seminar. Participants and Speakers of seminar appreciated the initiative to establish the much needed Digital Forensic Research and Service Center. Digital Forensic will also be helpful to investigate crimes and countering cybercrimes, especially after the approval of cyber crime bill its significance has further increased.

Developed countries are already working to enhance their capabilities in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security to increase the resource base of crime investigation. Presently Governments, Private Organizations and Critical Infrastructure are at risk of cyber threats. US Government has declared Cyber Space as the Fifth Domain of War in addition to the existing four Domains Land, Air, Water and Space. The LSU aims to bring our Academic and other institutions in similar excellence.

Vice Chancellor of LGU, Major General Obaid bin Zakria(Retired) said he envisions the DFR&SC as one of the leading innovative information technology education provider in the region. Establishment of DFR&SC is an important milestone towards achieving this goal.

DFR&SC will conduct researches, surveys, trainings, certifications, degree programs and publish papers in various fields of digital forensics and cyber security. It is the first center of its kind in Pakistan and plans are afoot to extend its services to the region.

Mr. Kaukab Jamal Zuberi, the founding chairman of International Association of Digital Forensic Experts (IADFE) is the Director of DFRSC, he spoke about the working and outputs of the center, and showed with the help of case studies the importance of the center in Pakistan and the region.

Syed Shahid Hassan, Deputy Director FIA Cybercrime spoke of the importance of Digital Forensics and allayed the concerns of human rights advocates about privacy of the general public by elaborating that anything we post on social media, or send as a text from our cell phone is already in the public domain and can easily be cracked even with encryption and other technologies as the expertise is available to do this, so issues of privacy are inherently covered in Digital Forensics as it uses tools that ensure selection and use of required information.

The line up of speakers from different fields of Digital and Forensic fields included Kokab Zubairi, Founding Chairman of International Association of Digital Forensic Experts (IADFE); Maj Gen Obaid bin Zakria, Vice Chancellor, Lahore Garrison University; Major Burhan Ali (Retired) DG NAB Punjab, Mr. Amjad Rafique, Additional Prosecutor General, Govt of the Punjab; Rana Zia Abdul-Rehman, President Lahore High Court Bar Association; Syed Shahid Hassan, Deputy Director FIA Cyber Crime; Khawaja Muhammad Ali, Member, National Cyber Security Task Force; Syed Tehsin Shah, Ex-IG Gilgit Baltistan & Director General FIA; and Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool(Retired, Former Governor Punjab.

The seminar concluded with the Chief Guestpresenting the LGU plaques to the speakers.