The UK Government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed an agreement Friday regarding the UK contribution of GBP 3.6 million, in support of UNODC’s Country Programme.
The Additional Inspector General of the Police of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Khalid Masood was also present to witness the signing of the three-year agreement between the Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom, Ms. Alison Blake, and UNODC Representative Mr. Jeremy Douglas.
The programme aims to enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies with a mandate in border areas and provinces, to address other forms of transnational organized crime and to stem the illicit flow of substances such as drugs, precursors and explosive chemicals. As part of the project, staff knowledge and skills will be enhanced, as well as management procedures improved to facilitate trade while interdicting unwanted flows. Furthermore, international cooperation between law enforcement agencies in Pakistan and Afghanistan will be facilitated.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Douglas thanked the UK Government for its support to the programme activities, which will strengthen key law enforcement institutions in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Mr. Douglas further thanked Additional Inspector General Mr. Khalid Masood and the Government of Pakistan for their continued commitment towards securing the borders and strengthening law enforcement capacity.
British Deputy High Commissioner Alison Blake said, “I am delighted to be able to demonstrate the UK’s strong support for UNODC and for Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. This is an important programme that will further build Pakistan’s ability to control its borders, facilitating legitimate trade and stopping the illicit flows that blight lives here and in the region. Through this, and our other programmes with Pakistan and Afghanistan, we are working build a more stable and secure future for all our citizens.”
The Additional Inspector General thanked UNODC and the UK Government for their continuing support to law enforcement capacity in Pakistan. He mentioned the Government of Pakistan is committed to working with its international partners to increase security and rule of law in the country.
