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US to provide $ 110mn to strengthen anti-narcotics, security

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Agreement to this effect was signed by Secretary Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Dr Waqar Masood Khan and US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter here at the EAD Monday.

According to the agreement, the US government would support government of Pakistan towards its efforts to secure Western borders against drugs and other trafficking, militancy, criminals and other forms of organized cross border activity that undermines the security and sovereignty of Pakistan.

The programme would also enhance the capabilities of Pakistan's civil law enforcement agencies under the Ministry of Interior , Ministry of Narcotics Control and law enforcement agencies through the provision of training , technical assistance , and commodities and creation and improvement of infrastructure and residential facilities .

This funded project would also focus on building capacity of law enforcement entities, improvement of law and order in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad Capital territory, as well as Federally Administered Tribal Areas, establishment of an effective drug and crime control regime, and investigations and prosecution of cases.

The funds under the agreement would be distributed to the projects of aviation support, law enforcement reforms and capacity building, counter narcotics and rule of law.

In his remarks Secretary EAD thanked government of US for extending $ 110 million to ongoing activities under border security, law enforcement, judicial reforms and counter narcotics projects to support the government towards its efforts to secure its westerns borders against drugs and other trafficking, militancy ,criminals and other forms of organized cross boarder criminal activity that undermines the security of Pakistan.

Dr Masood Khan said that this agreement is being done under Narcotics amendment of 75 to 92.

In his remarks Ambassador Cameron Munter lauded government of Pakistan efforts for eliminating poppy production and assured to support and engage with Pakistan for the safety and security of the citizens in this regard.

Replying to a question, he welcomed the recommendations of Parliamentary Committee on National Security and added "we will give it to the government".

 

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2012