Karachi:- The Government of Pakistan and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have launched the “Enhanced National Response to Trafficking in Drugs and Contraband in the Maritime Region (Phase II).” This initiative, funded by the US State Department’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs ( INL) is a 12-month effort aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime capabilities to combat drug and contraband trafficking. This project will be jointly implemented by UNODC Pakistan (COPAK) and the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Program (GMCP).
The ceremony was co-chaired by Pakistan Navy Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali – Director General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Chargé d’affaires (CDA) of the United States Mission in Pakistan, Andrew Schofer, who joined with other senior dignitaries from UNODC. , INL, Pakistan Coast Guard (PCG) and Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
Dr. Jeremy Milsom, UNODC’s COPAK representative, warmly welcomed the participants, highlighting UNODC’s collaboration with the Ministry of Narcotics Control during the design and implementation of the Phase I project (October 2020 to March 2023). He noted: “UNODC is taking a holistic approach to support the Government of Pakistan to more effectively address various drug and crime-related challenges, both domestically and through promoting Pakistan’s partnership in various regional and international fora. While fully aligned with UNODC’s global and national strategies, this Phase II project would significantly complement the government’s vision and ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s border management, drug supply reduction and rule of law – aimed at creating a secure environment for the Pakistani people. , said Dr. Loved.
Mr. David O’Connell, GMCP Program Coordinator, gave a comprehensive presentation on the dynamics of threats related to the smuggling of drugs and other items through Pakistan. He highlighted the achievements of the Phase I project which is in line with the strategic priorities of the Government of Pakistan for border management. In addition, Mr. O’Connell provided an overview of the Phase II project detailing its intended outcomes such as “Improving Inter-Agency Coordination among Pakistan’s Maritime Enforcement Agencies”; enhancing cooperation between Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and their regional counterparts; and enhancing the capability of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies to detect, deter and disrupt the drug and contraband trade in coastal and maritime areas.
In his remarks, CDA Andrew Schofer emphasized that ensuring a secure maritime environment is not only a priority for Pakistan but a global imperative as drug trafficking and smuggling contribute to instability and threaten the security of nations around the world. CDA noted, “By confronting these issues head on, we are contributing to a more secure and prosperous future for all,” highlighting the 77 years of partnership between the United States and Pakistan governments and the 42 years of the U.S. mission. Pakistani security assistance through INL. “I look forward to the roundtable discussion and hope we can identify areas for greater cooperation that can benefit Pakistan’s maritime security and help make the country safer, more prosperous and drug-free,” CDA Schofer added.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali specified that due to its geographical location, Pakistan has long been exposed to the negative effects of the illegal trade in narcotic and psychotropic substances from Afghanistan. He noted: “As a signatory to three United Nations anti-drug conventions, the Government of Pakistan envisions a healthier Pakistani nation – free from the threat of drug trafficking and the adverse health effects of narcotics use. Opioids and synthetic drugs produced in Afghanistan are transported via the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean to various destination countries in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Oceania. Pakistan therefore continues to serve as the first line of defense against the massive outflow of narcotics from Afghanistan – which threatens security throughout our region and beyond. The Government of Pakistan is taking a resilient approach to this issue – to protect our society while protecting the rest of the world,” said Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali.
The launch of the project was followed by a round table discussion hosted by CDA Andrew Schofer. It reviewed current and emerging threats, lessons learned and recommendations for UNODC capacity development in Pakistan. Ms. Lori Antolinez, Director of the INL Program at the US Embassy in Islamabad, concluded the roundtable by thanking the senior leadership of Pakistan’s ministries and maritime law enforcement for their candid views and emphasizing the US Embassy’s commitment to working with Pakistan’s law enforcement and maritime security agencies.
