US announces new initiatives to bolster counterterrorism abilities in southwest Pakistan
20 november 2023
Published in: Arab News
KARACHI: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald A. Blome on Monday unveiled four new initiatives to bolster the capabilities of Pakistani law enforcement in their efforts to safeguard local communities in the country’s southwest, the embassy said in a statement.
The United States and Pakistan have cooperated on civilian security and rule of law for more than 40 years. Their partnership involves justice institutions and providing law enforcement agencies with tools to secure Pakistan’s border, fight narcotics trafficking and combat terrorism.
During a visit to Quetta on Monday, Blome announced four new projects, including the expansion of an anti-terror training facility, constriction of new police stations, upgradation of existing ones and equipment support.
“A $4 million assistance package will facilitate the expansion of Balochistan Police’s Anti-Terrorist Force training facility, doubling its current capacity, and allowing simultaneous instruction for an additional 800 trainees,” the embassy said, referring to a southwestern Pakistani province.
The US also allocated $2 million to repair and upgrade 10 flood-damaged police stations. These facilities will include modern infrastructure, such as digital record management and support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to support more responsive services for local communities. The facilities will also feature dedicated gender desks that will provide a private space for vulnerable populations to report crimes and receive special care for problems or injuries resulting from those crimes.
“An additional $2 million will be dedicated to constructing 10 new police stations to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis,” the embassy added. “Recognizing the risks faced by law enforcement officers, the United States announced a $250,000 equipment grant to better protect enforcement officers as they undertake their duties.”
The four projects are funded and will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). INL currently provides approximately $20 million in assistance nationwide.
Blome, along with Inspector General of Police Shaikh and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also on Monday inaugurated Balochistan’s first Women and Juvenile Facilitation Center. The center was constructed in collaboration with UNODC and enhances the ability of law enforcement to protect and serve women and girls.
During the trip, Blome also met with Chief Minister of Balochistan Ali Mardan Khan Domki.
Discussions covered a range of topics including US assistance programs, and the ambassador “reaffirmed strong US support for the economic development of all parts of Pakistan, including Balochistan.”