LHC orders forensic examination of suspect’s phone in fake documents case

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) to complete a forensic examination of a suspect’s mobile phone within two weeks during proceedings on a post-arrest bail plea in a case related to the alleged preparation and sale of forged official documents.

Justice Farooq Haider heard the bail application filed by the accused, Umar, and sought an explanation from the investigation team over the delay in carrying out the mobile phone’s forensic analysis.

During the hearing, the investigating officer told the court that he was the third officer assigned to the case. He said he had already submitted a request to begin the forensic process.

According to the case record presented before the court, Umar is accused of preparing and selling fake Family Registration Certificates (FRCs), NADRA data and driving licences.

Court seeks progress in investigation

The court’s direction came in the course of examining the post-arrest bail request, with the judge focusing on the status of the digital evidence and the reasons for the delay in its examination.

The NCCIA has now been ordered to conduct the forensic review of the suspect’s mobile phone within the two-week timeframe set by the court.

The matter relates to allegations involving forged identity-related and licensing documents, including Family Registration Certificates and driving licences, as well as NADRA data, according to the case details cited during the hearing.

The investigating officer’s statement indicated that the inquiry had seen multiple changes in personnel, with him telling the court that he was the third officer to handle the case. He also informed the bench that a formal request for the forensic examination had already been moved.

The proceedings took place before Justice Farooq Haider at the Lahore High Court, where the accused’s post-arrest bail plea remains under consideration in connection with the alleged fake document racket. The investigating officer informed the court that he was the third officer assigned to the case and had already submitted a request to initiate the forensic process.

The case centres on allegations that the accused was involved in preparing and selling forged Family Registration Certificates, NADRA data and driving licences. The court’s latest order is aimed at advancing the investigation through forensic examination of the mobile phone presented as part of the case material.