Pakistan, US to expand cooperation on law enforcement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to continue their Strategic Dialogue and strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism issues.

The following is the text of the joint statement issued by the United

States and Pakistan on their Strategic Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism.

"The fourth Ministerial Level Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism was held in Islamabad on July 5, 2011. The two sides were led by Pakistan's Minister of Interior Senator A. Rehman Malik and William Brownfield, United States Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the Department of State.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to continue the important work of the Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue and to strengthen both governments' cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism issues.

Interior Minister Senator Rehman Malik and Assistant Secretary Brownfield discussed the tragic impact of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on both law enforcement personnel and civilians in Pakistan, and across the border in Afghanistan.

The death of over 500 Pakistani civilians from IEDs since the beginning of the calendar year 2011 called for the need for urgent action to combat the threat. Noting that suicide bombings and IED attacks have become an unacceptable and too frequent occurrence in Pakistan, both governments pledged to improve

cooperation on stopping these vicious cowardly attacks by the enemies of humanity.

The United States appreciated the enduring commitment and support of Pakistan to fight extremists and recognized the extreme sacrifice of Pakistan's law enforcement and military personnel. Assistant Secretary Brownfield paid tribute to the fallen police officers by laying a wreath at the Police Martyrs Memorial which recognizes the 1400 law enforcement officers who laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism.

The delegations also exchanged ideas on how to improve the prosecution for illegal shipments of IED precursors and terrorism cases, including strengthening the legislative framework for such cases. The two parties also discussed the challenges and progress made in Pakistan's efforts to counter the illicit trafficking of drugs.

The United States agreed to assist Pakistan to ensure that its law enforcement officers are adequately equipped to combat the threat posed by terrorists and ensure the protection of the people of Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to continue these discussions and further enhance cooperation in field of counter- terrorism."

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011