By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome on Monday unveiled important initiatives to enhance the capabilities of Pakistani law enforcement forces during his visit to Balochistan.
Washington has given a $4 million assistance package to expand Balochistan’s anti-terrorist force training facility, which will double its training capacity and allow training of 800 additional recruits.
The US also gave a $2 million grant to repair and upgrade 10 flood-hit police stations in the province. Once upgraded, these facilities will “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 statement released by Washington’s mission in Pakistan said these facilities will have dedicated gender desks that will provide space for vulnerable populations “ to report crimes and receive special care for problems or injuries resulting from those crimes”.
An additional $2 million has been given for construction of 10 new police stations to improve service to women and other citizens in general.
The US embassy’s statement said the projects will be funded and implemented with the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL).
“INL currently provides approximately $20 million in assistance nationwide. “
During his visit, the ambassador also met with the provincial inspector general of police and representatives from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). He 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.”
The statement added that Blome met with the interim chief minister of the province, Ali Mardan Khan Domki, and discussed a “a range of topics including US assistance programs.
In his meeting, the envoy also reaffirmed strong US support for the economic development of all parts of Pakistan, including Balochistan.
