UNODC terrorism prevention chief meets foreign secretary in Islamabad

UNODC and Ministry of Interior launch programme to strengthen criminal justice response

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Terrorism Prevention chief Masood Karimipour met with Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on Friday.

During the meeting, the foreign secretary appreciated Pakistan-UNODC partnership on range of issues, FO spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said in a tweet.

Secretary Sohail also highlighted the country’s sacrifices and achievements in fight against terrorism and its readiness to share experiences in counter-terrorism with others.

FS Sohail Mahmood received @M_Karimipour, Chief of @UNODC_TPB today.

FS appreciated Pakistan -UNODC partnership on range of issues. Also highlighted Pak’s sacrifices & achievements in fight against terrorism & its readiness to share experiences in counterterrorism with others. pic.twitter.com/jBQGfbSM5O

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 24, 2020

Earlier in the day, the UNODC and the Ministry of Interior launched a four-year technical assistance framework in a ceremony held in the federal capital.

The programme aims to strengthen the criminal justice in Pakistan to prevent and counter terrorism, Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking on the occasion, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah expressed gratitude to members of the international community for trusting Pakistan and its counter-terrorism apparatus through the project.



UNODC Country Representative Dr Jeremy Milsom said: "We have come a long way since the initial discussions on this programme".

TODAY ‼️ @M_Karimipour, Chief of Terrorism Prevention @UNODC, in action at the launch of the new multi-annual programme #PTP2 to prevent #terrorism in Pakistan. Strong #partnership between #Pakistan 🇵🇰 and @UNODC - with @NACTAPK and @JMilsom_UNODC pic.twitter.com/SVjevSDwmU

— UNODC Terrorism Prevention (@UNODC_TPB) January 24, 2020

Framework of this programme would encourage provinces to adopt a harmonised approach and common practices in preventing and countering terrorism, while enhancing information sharing and coordination amongst stakeholders.

The expected results of the programme would assist in and contribute towards implementation of the National Action Plan and National Internal Security Policy of Pakistan.