UNODC gives $70 to GOP

UNODC and Government of Pakistan signs a USD 70 Million Country Programme to jointly tackle crime, drugs, and illicit trafficking

Al-Bab Report

1 December 2016 -  In an official ceremony in Vienna today, UNODC and Government of Pakistan signed a USD 70 Million Country Programme. The signing took place between the Deputy Executive Director Mr. Aldo Lale-Demoz and the Federal Secretary, Narcotics Control Division of Pakistan Mr. Ajaz Ali Khan in the presence of  the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United Nations, Madam  Ayesha Riaz, Director General ANF, Mr. Nasir Dilawhar Shah, and other colleagues from the HQ and staff of Pakistan's Permanent Mission. 

The Country Programme is a result of a strong partnership between UNODC and the Government of Pakistan and it was developed in close consultation with the provincial and national stakeholders and focuses on the priority areas highlighted by the Government of Pakistan.

The overall aim of the program is to enhance the skills and knowledge of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies in overcoming the multi-facet threats posed by transnational organized crime and to foster greater cooperation amongst neighboring countries to effectively address the common challenges in the following areas:

1.  Illicit trafficking and border management

2. Criminal justice system and legal reforms

3. Drug demand reduction, prevention, and treatment

The Country Programme has a cross-cutting component on Research and Analysis and eLearning which aims to promote modern methods of training including Computer Based Training (CBT) while strengthening the research and analysis practices for developing policies and guidelines which contribute to improving the Rule of Law, Governance, and Public health.

During the signing ceremony, the Deputy Executive Director of UNODC Mr. Aldo Lale-Demoz highlighted the success of the previous Country Programme and appreciated the support rendered to the UNODC Office by the Government of Pakistan. Mr. Ajaz Ali Khan, Federal Secretary Narcotics Control Division expressed his Government’s readiness to continue working with the UNODC and the international community and offered full support in the implementation of the signed program.

The strategic goals of the Country Programme are in line with the Government of Pakistan’s Vision 2025 and complement the objectives for meeting various targets of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).