KARACHI: United States (US) Consul General Grace Shelton officially handed over six armored personnel vehicles (APVs) worth Rs 150 million ($1.5 million) to the Balochistan police force at an event held in Karachi on Wednesday.
The vehicles, built by the American company Lenco, were designed specifically for the rough terrain of Balochistan and were easy to maintain locally.
In addition to the APVs, the US recently donated 4,000 bulletproof vests, mine detectors, bomb suits and bomb blankets. The total donation made by the US was in excess of $7 million.
Speaking at the event, the US consul general said, “The recent targeted killings of Balochistan police officers shows just how dangerous policing can be in Balochistan, and how we cannot rest in determining ways to keep law enforcement officers safe. The US government hopes these vehicles and the protective equipment provided to Balochistan police can help protect these brave officers while they continue to fight crime and terrorism.”
The US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs works in more than 90 countries to help countries combat crime and corruption, counter drug-related offences, improve police institutions, and promote laws and court systems that are fair as well as accountable.