The families of some of the PIA plane crash victims, exasperated by the agonising delays in DNA test results for the identification of their loved ones, have demanded that the Sindh government to either expedite the testing or hand over testing samples to them so that they may get them tested in Lahore, where, they say, the process takes less time. “Laboratories in Lahore take just six hours [to release DNA test results],” claimed Mobin Ahmed Idrees, whose cousin was onboard the plane. “[But here] our samples were collected on Sunday, and we are yet to receive the results.” Idrees, who was accompanied by his uncle, the deceased passenger’s father, insisted that the official deployed at the collection point, opposite Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory at the University of Karachi (KU), take another sample for DNA testing and hand it over to him so he could take it to Lahore for testing. “I will get it tested from Lahore where results will be released within hours,” he said, quick to add that his intention was not label the KU laboratory “inefficient,” but just to have his cousin identified immediately. Trying to convince police officials at the collection point to help him get another sample, he was told that DNA matching was underway in the laboratory. “We have to follow standard operating procedures and will let you know when your samples match any of the bodies,” said a policeman, trying to appease Idrees. Irritated, Idrees knocked on the door leading to the sample collection room, but in vain. While the security helped him reach lab officials, this too was unsuccessful. “They are not willing to take another sample,” he said tired after multiple refusals. Amid the confusion, two other relatives of a deceased passenger continued to stare at the laboratory doors. “The wait is painful,” said one. “I don’t know how long it will take but I want it to be done today.”
