QUETTA, Pakistan: The US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald A. Blome on Monday unveiled four important initiatives in Quetta to bolster the capabilities of Pakistani law enforcement in their efforts to safeguard local communities.
The initiatives included the Expansion of Anti-Terrorist Force Training Facility, Upgradation of Police Stations, Construction of New Police Stations, and Equipment Support.
Anti-Terrorist Force Training Facility Expansion: A US$ 4 million assistance package will facilitate the expansion of Balochistan Police’s Anti-Terrorist Force training facility, doubling its current capacity, and allowing simultaneous instruction for an additional 800 trainees.
Upgraded Police Stations: The United States allocated US$ 2 million to repair and upgrade 10 flood-damaged police stations. These facilities will include modern infrastructure, such as digital record management and support for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, thereby supporting more responsive service to local communities.
The facilities will also feature dedicated gender desks that will provide a private space for vulnerable populations to report crimes and receive special care for problems or injuries resulting from those crimes.
Construction of New Police Stations: An additional US$ 2 million will be dedicated to constructing 10 new police stations to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis.
Equipment Support: Recognizing the risks faced by law enforcement officers, the United States announced a US$ 250,000 equipment grant to better protect enforcement officers as they undertake their duties.
These projects are funded and will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL). The INL currently provides approximately US$ 20 million in assistance nationwide.
In addition to announcing the new initiatives, the US Ambassador Doland Blome, along with Inspector General of Police Shaikh and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), inaugurated Balochistan’s first Women and Juvenile Facilitation Center. This Center was constructed in collaboration with UNODC and enhances the ability of law enforcement to protect and serve women and girls.
During the trip, Ambassador Blome also met with the Chief Minister of Balochistan Ali Mardan Khan Domki. Discussions covered a range of topics including the US assistance programs, and the Ambassador reaffirmed strong US support for the economic development of all parts of Pakistan including Balochistan.
The US Embassy said that the United States and Pakistan have cooperated on civilian security and rule of law for more than 40 years.
“Our partnership improves justice institutions and providing law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to secure Pakistan’s border, fight narcotics trafficking, and combat terrorism. Taken together, these efforts protect Pakistan’s citizens and make Pakistan safer, stronger, and more secure,” it said.
