KARACHI, FEB 26 (DNA) – In their resolve to support the efforts of Government of Sindh 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 18 months technical assistance programme to strengthen the criminal justice to terrorism with a specific reference to Sindh Province.

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 Sindh Province including Police, Prosecution and Judiciary while enhancing information sharing with NACTA and other federal entities.

With the financial support of 4 million euros by the European Union, “Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism with a special reference to Sindh” (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 Member Policy, NACTA Mr. Asif Paracha appreciated and recognized the role of the international community particularly the European Union and UNODC in working closely with NACTA in delivering technical support to Pakistan to prevent and counter terrorism.

More than ever there is a need for strong international collaboration to counter terrorism. It remains a top priority in the EU’s security dialogue with Pakistan and PACT Sindh falls under the framework of our common objectives and showcases our strong partnership said H.E. Androulla Kaminara, EU Ambassador to Pakistan in her key remarks.

The Officer-in-Charge of UNODC Mr. Danilo Campisi in his remarks highlighted the importance of the project and mentioned that “UNODC has been collaborating with the Government of Pakistan for over 40 years for delivering technical assistance in areas of priority to the host government and it is the evident success of PACT that led to an invitation from the Government of Pakistan for its expansion to the Sindh Province.

Home Secretary Sindh Dr. Usman Chachar appreciated the financial contribution of the European Union and stated that we are committed to working with our international partners in overcoming the challenges posed by terrorism and its financing.

The Chief Guest on the occasion Honorable Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah acknowledged the ongoing support of UNODC and the European Union in various areas and highlighted that PACT project would complement the Government of Sindh’s efforts under Rule of Law roadmap.

The Government of Pakistan is in the process of implementing a National Action Plan against terrorism and the objectives of PACT Sindh project would directly contribute towards its implementation.=DNA

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