Japan condemns terrorist attack on ANF officials in Balochistan

Two ANF officials were martyred in Mashkel district on Saturday

Japan on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the officials of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) on Saturday in Mashkel district of Balochistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of two officials and caused critical injuries to others.

According to ANF spokesperson, the raiding team of ANF was returning to headquarters after seizing a huge quantity of narcotics when attacked a group of 50-60 armed assailants.

“I am deeply saddened and grieved over the loss of precious human lives in this act of terrorism in Balochistan and offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have suffered injuries,” Ambassador Matsuda Kuninori said in his message of condolence, issued by the Japanese Embassy.

While appreciating the continuous efforts made by the ANF for preventing distribution of illegal drugs in Pakistan, the Japanese ambassador paid glowing tributes to the martyred personnel for sacrificing their lives and their contribution towards the realisation of a greater cause of rooting-out the menace of illicit drug trafficking in the country.

He said that controlling illicit drug trafficking is one of the major and challenging issues for the international community as it significantly damages the society and also provides financing to terrorist groups.

Ambassador Matsuda said that the government of Japan has continuously supported countries including Pakistan in their efforts to fight against this menace. "In this regard, the government of Japan has provided assistance worth $6.5million to ANF to strengthen border security against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime."

The ambassador added that the government of Japan has also been supporting various projects of counter-terrorism amounting to more than $137 million. He assured that Japan will continue supporting Pakistan’s fight against illicit drug trafficking as well as terrorism in the future.