Japan contributes $ 3.73 mln to enhance response to counter-terrorism in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, May 10 (APP):The government of Japan stands with Pakistan in combating international criminal syndicates which through their illicit activities hinder economic development and prosperity of Pakistani people.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, Takashi Kurai on Thursday reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to assist Pakistan eradicate all types of transnational organized crime including illicit drug trafficking.
He was addressing a play up media event here for United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) projects, aimed at enhancing air cargo security, combating transnational organized crime, strengthening border security against illicit drug trafficking and response to counter terrorism.
The projects are to be implemented under UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (2016-2019) through financial support of government of Japan. Officials from the Ministry of Narcotics Control, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) were present on the occasion.
In his opening remarks, UNODC Country Office Representative in Pakistan, Cesar Guedes thanked Takashi Kurai and said through financial support of government of Japan, the projects will contribute to vision of creating “a safer community,
free from threats posed by illicit narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime.”
He said, “UNODC was a leading global effort against drug trafficking and is sole guardian of all international conventions on drugs and transnational organized crime.”
The UNODC Country Office in Pakistan has been active for over 35 years and works in close collaboration with government
of Pakistan, its mandate is to empower the government in its efforts to overcome challenges associated with transnational organized crime, thereby contributing towards nation’s stabilization and development.
As per details, in total, generous contribution of Japanese government for four projects would be amounting to about 3.73 million US Dollars for duration of one year.
The four one-year projects will receive funding from April 2018 to March 2019 include Combating Transnational Organized Crime
and strengthening borders in Pakistan – US$ 2,545,335, Strengthening response of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism Financing (CTF) US$ 500,000, Improving Forensic Capacity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Investigate Terrorism Cases US$ 300,000 and US$ 385,600 for Enhancing Air Cargo Security through establishment of Air Cargo Control Unit at Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport.
It was informed that Pakistan has been facing border management challenges at its western border with Afghanistan which was not only used for legitimate trade and movement of people but also a much preferred route for drugs and human trafficking.
In recent years, the challenges alluded to have become more complexed with changing geo-political environment in
region, and this is particularly so with respect to transnational organized crime, illicit narcotics trafficking as well as human
trafficking and migrant smuggling.
The security situation across Pakistan remains fragile and terrorists are regularly targeting civilians and law enforcement officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh.
The primary focus of efforts of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in Pakistan for countering terrorism has been on intelligence, investigation and operations against suspected individuals and organizations.
An effective approach to countering terrorism is to diminish strength of the terrorism economy, through all possible ways including tracing the financial sources of funding used by terrorists, seizing those sources, preventing individuals and organizations from raising funds nationally and internationally.
Criminals constantly look for opportunities where they can exploit the flaws, gaps or deficiencies of laws and regulations
in place.
For more than two decades now, the overwhelming volume of global trade has made it more and more difficult for regulatory
bodies and customs enforcement to control the actual content of thousands of millions of consignments moving across the world.
This provides the criminals opportunity to mask their illegal transhipments by legitimate trade cover.