US envoy inaugurates Police Training College in Balochistan

US Embassy's INC Section spearheads $5.35m collaboration tripling Police Training College capacity with new buildings

United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, extended heartfelt greetings and appreciation to The Balochistan chief minister and Inspector General of Police for their hospitality and insightful remarks on the inauguration of the new Police Training College (PTC) campus in Quetta, in a statement released on Tuesday.

The four-year, $5.35 million-dollar collaboration, spearheaded by the US Embassy’s International Narcotics (INC) and Law Enforcement Section, has resulted in the construction of seven new and renovation of four existing buildings. This transformative upgrade not only triples the capacity of the Police Training College but also ensures that aspiring recruits and seasoned officers alike receive high-quality, skills-based training essential for operating effectively in Pakistan's most demanding environments.

Ambassador Blome underscored the pivotal role of the new facility in equipping law enforcement personnel: “With the completion of this new facility, the men and women trained at PTC Quetta will be far better prepared than their predecessors to address the tremendous risks and challenges they face every day in the line of duty.

“In addition, we have scheduled delivery of $900,000 worth of radio communication equipment and 35 mine detectors, and recently provided $700,000 worth of vehicles and $195,000 worth of blast suppression equipment, all of which will greatly enhance operations and security across the province.”

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Beyond the confines of the training centre, the partnership between the United States and Pakistan extends to various initiatives aimed at fortifying security, combating narcotics trafficking, and countering terrorism. From INL providing essential equipment to fostering gender-inclusive policing, taken together, these actions make Pakistan safer, stronger, and more secure, said Ambassador Blome.

He also commended the concerted efforts to increase women’s representation within the police force, acknowledging the exemplary leadership of officers like Zarghoona Manzoor. Zarghoona's journey from homemaker to police leader exemplifies the transformative impact of gender-inclusive policies, enhancing operational effectiveness and service quality for all communities.

Furthermore, Ambassador Blome also commended the special efforts made to recruit more women into the police force, highlighting the establishment of gender desks in police stations and the expansion of facilities to better serve women and underserved communities. He particularly lauded the remarkable achievements of Balochistan Police officer Zarghoona Manzoor, who was recently honoured with a worldwide leadership award at an international conference for women police.

“Zarghoona, formerly a stay-at-home mother, joined the force after her husband was killed serving in the Balochistan Police. She now leads Balochistan’s first women’s police station. Women officers like Zarghoona improve the entire force’s operational effectiveness and efficiency and enhance the quality of service offered to all Pakistanis, especially those from underrepresented communities.”

US Ambassador Blome at the Inauguration Ceremony of Balochistan Police Training College . PHOTO: EXPRESS

He expressed admiration for Balochistan’s success in attracting nearly 20 per cent women in a recent recruiting drive, with the number of policewomen in service doubling since 2022. The inauguration of PTC-Quetta’s new facilities for women police recruits signifies a significant step forward in realising the vision of gender-inclusive policing.

In addition to security cooperation, Ambassador Blome highlighted the broader scope of the partnership between the United States and Pakistan: “We are committed to working with Pakistan to address the economic, environmental, and energy challenges of our time. INL-funded the solarization of seven of PTC Quetta’s buildings, as well as the solar-powered lights on walkways inside campus, and on the campus’ boundary wall, which align with our broader efforts through the US-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework to promote clean, renewable energy and climate resilience.”

In conclusion, Ambassador Blome reiterated the importance of a robust foundation of security and rule of law in facilitating broader cooperation between the United States and Pakistan.

“We are proud of this partnership,” he expressed. “It is making demonstrable progress in strengthening Pakistan’s ability to protect and secure its borders and provide safety and security for its citizens. And we will continue to stand with you as you work to further strengthen community policing that provides the security environment needed to ensure peace, progress, and prosperity for the Pakistani people.”