Careers & study
Scope of forensic science in Pakistan: jobs, salaries and career paths
Who hires forensic scientists in Pakistan, what the Punjab Forensic Science Authority paid in its October 2026 advertisement, and which qualifications and skills open each door.
Forensic Science Pakistan2 min read
Forensic science in Pakistan has grown from a handful of police laboratories into a profession with its own agencies, degrees and pay scales. Most jobs are still in government, but demand is rising in digital forensics, private laboratories and teaching.
Who employs forensic scientists
- Punjab Forensic Science Authority (PFSA): formerly the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and the country’s largest forensic laboratory, opened in Lahore in 2012. It analyses evidence in about 14 disciplines, receives more than 100,000 cases a year and runs eight satellite stations for collecting evidence around the clock.
- National Forensic Agency: the Senate passed the National Forensic Agency Bill in December 2024 to create a federal body in Islamabad offering conventional and digital forensic services.
- Police and investigation agencies: crime scene units, fingerprint bureaus and cybercrime teams.
- Hospitals and medico-legal departments: forensic medicine, pathology and toxicology.
- Universities and private laboratories: teaching, research and DNA, toxicology and document services.
What forensic jobs pay
Government advertisements are the most reliable public salary data. The Punjab Forensic Science Authority’s October 2026 advertisement offered 37 contract posts in 17 categories, including DNA and serology, toxicology, pathology and crime scene investigation, open to candidates with a Punjab domicile:
- Junior Forensic Scientist: Rs 200,000 a month, with a 10% annual increase.
- Forensic Scientist: about Rs 325,000 to Rs 375,000 a month, depending on the post.
- Director Forensic: Rs 750,000 a month.
- Additional Director General: up to Rs 1,100,000 a month.
Trainees receive half pay during training. For comparison, a 2018 PFSA advertisement offered junior scientists Rs 36,500 a month during training and Rs 73,000 afterwards, so pay has risen sharply. Federal posts follow BPS grades: an Assistant Forensic Analyst (DNA) is a BPS-17 entry post.
Qualifications employers ask for
Forensic scientist posts generally require a BS (Hons) or MSc in a relevant science recognised by the HEC, such as forensic science, chemistry, biochemistry, genetics or molecular biology. Senior posts ask for a PhD and years of casework. Our guide to BS forensic science in Pakistan lists the universities that offer the degree.
Skills that set candidates apart
- Laboratory technique: PCR, capillary electrophoresis, chromatography and microscopy.
- Quality systems: ISO/IEC 17025 procedures, validation and documentation.
- Statistics, especially for interpreting DNA mixtures and likelihood ratios.
- Clear report writing and the confidence to explain findings in court.
- For digital roles: mobile and computer forensics tools and scripting.
Choosing a specialism
Each discipline has its own path. Read our overview of the branches of forensic science, or start with the most in-demand field, forensic genetics.
A practical route in
- Take a BS in forensic science or a core science, and choose research projects with real casework methods.
- Apply for internships at forensic laboratories and hospital medico-legal departments.
- Watch the PFSA, National Forensic Agency and Federal Public Service Commission advertisements.
- Consider an MPhil in a specialism; most senior posts expect one.
- Join workshops and training to build casework experience.
Dr Inamullah runs lectures and training for students and investigators. Get in touch to arrange a session.
