Asian Journal of Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies

The study aimed to analyse specific features of integrating forensic pathology tools into cross-border homicide investigations in Kazakhstan and selected South Asian countries through the lens of the hypothetical scenario illustrating how such integration could function in practice. The comparative policy analysis revealed that despite the geographical and sociocultural proximity, the countries had varying state regulations of forensic pathology practices, which could potentially affect cross-border homicide investigation. The Republic of Kazakhstan has adopted a two-layer system with an articulated structure of expert bodies, accreditation mechanisms, and reporting rules, whereas India, Pakistan, and Nepal do not have specific laws to regulate forensic investigation practices. In these countries, forensic practices are informed by the National Human Right Commission’s guidelines on autopsy, commonly informed by the universally accepted standards. The hypothetical scenario involving a 34-year-old Pakistani entrepreneur discovered near the Kazakh-Kyrgyz border in the Almaty Region revealed hindrances to cross-border homicide investigation, including the lack of standardised forensic procedures, weak bilateral and multilateral legal frameworks, as well as culture- and language-specific barriers. Considering the detected barriers, it was recommended to standardise national forensic investigation procedures, strengthen legal frameworks rooted in the International Criminal Police Organisation and World Health Organisation standards and promote procedural transparency and accountability through regular peer audits. The obtained results can be used to facilitate cross-border homicide investigation to create a safer space for the Central and South Asia residents

References