European Union confirms need for strong international collaboration to counter terrorism

In their resolve to support the efforts of Government of Pakistan to counter the threats of terrorism, the European Union and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan, have launched a three year technical assistance programme to strengthen the criminal justice response in Pakistan to counter terrorism.

The project will improve the investigative processes and promote the use of forensic evidence during the prosecution stages of terrorism related cases. It will also strengthen the co-ordination between the KP Home Department, Police and Prosecution, NACTA and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police.

With the financial support of 7 million euros by the European Union, “Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism with a special reference to Khyber Pakhtunkhawa” (PACT) project was developed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on behalf of Government of Pakistan in collaboration with the UNODC. During the project development stages both provincial and federal stakeholders were closely consulted to ensure that project objectives directly contribute to the needs of each institution.

In his opening remarks the Director General, Counter Terrorism of NACTA Mr. Sheikh Muhammad Umar appreciated and recognized the role of the international community particularly the European Union and UNODC in working closely with NACTA for building its capacity for an effective response to combat terrorism.

"More than ever there is a need for strong international collaboration to counter terrorism. Counter terrorism will remain a top priority in the EU's security dialogue with Pakistan and PACT is a logical "next step" in this longstanding solid partnership said H.E. Jean-François Cautain, EU Ambassador to Pakistan in his key remarks.

The UNODC Country Representative Mr. Cesar Guedes in his remarks highlighted the importance of the project and mentioned that “UNODC has been collaborating with the Government of Pakistan for over 37 years and for the first time it would be providing assistance in the area of counter terrorism by working closely with the relevant stakeholders at both provincial and federal levels in partnership with the European Union.”

Member of NACTA Mr. Choudhry Muhammad Asghar as a Chief Guest on behalf of the Honorable Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mr. Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan appreciated the close working relation of European Union and the United Nations with the Government of Pakistan for making collaborative efforts in eliminating terrorism.
 
The Government of Pakistan is in the process of implementing a National Action Plan against terrorism and the objectives of the signed project would directly contribute towards in its execution.