ISLAMABAD, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Monday announced 2.5 million euros (3 million U.S. dollars) for a joint project between Pakistan's eastern Punjab province and the British High Commission (BHC) in Islamabad.

This project is aimed at achieving international certification for the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and increasing the use of forensics to support better justice outcomes, a BHC statement said.

An event was held in Lahore to celebrate the launch of the fund, attended by Punjab Additional Home Secretary Javed Mehmood, the EU Ambassador Jean-Fran?ois Cautain and British Political Counselor Will Middleton.

"Strengthening the rule of law is a priority for UK-Pakistan cooperation and I am confident that this project will further develop the Punjab Forensic Science Agency's capabilities in securing justice for the people of Pakistan," said Middleton.

Jean-Fran?ois Cautain said the EU is committed to contributing to the better criminal justice system in Pakistan.

"This continuous support in the field of forensics in Punjab is a crucial part of our rule of law cooperation with the Government of Punjab," he said at the ceremony.

He said the second phase includes cooperation with other regions as a new priority area and will further improve Punjab Forensic Science Agency's capacity to share best practices with other provincial forensic laboratories in Pakistan.