17 October 2024, Karachi - A four-week National Interagency Qualification Training Course successfully concluded at the Training Facility of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) in Karachi. The training course was closed by Commodore (Pakistan Navy) Amir Iqbal Khan (Tamgha-e-Basalat), together with Mr. Edward Swann – INL Pakistan Counter-Narcotics Programme Officer and Mr. David O’Connell – UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) Regional Programme Coordinator, together with senior INL and UNODC staff members.
This extensive course included Coxswain, Boarding Team, and Boat Crew Member training and was organized by UNODC Country Office Pakistan and GMCP, under the framework of the INL-funded project entitled 'Improved National Response against Drugs and Contraband Trafficking in the Maritime Domain (Phase II)’. With an assortment of theoretical and practical sessions, the training was attended by operational officials of the PMSA, Pakistan Customs, Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG), and the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF). It was delivered by two UNODC GMCP international trainers of, hailing from France and South Africa. In the margins, the INL and UNODC delegates also observed the final vessel boarding exercise of the course in the open sea.
In his closing remarks, Mr. David O’Connell highlighted UNODC’s close collaboration with the Government of Pakistan (GoP) in designing and implementing the Maritime Security Project (Phase I) – October 2020 – March 2023, which reflected UNODC's holistic approach to support the Government in its efforts to address drugs and transnational organized crime challenges more effectively. "Our strategy aligns with the GoP’s vision to enhance Pakistan’s border management, reduce drug supply, and uphold the rule of law, to create a safer socio-economic environment for the people of Pakistan", he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Edward Swann extended INL’s congratulations to all the trainees and praised them for their dedication and commitment to enhancing maritime law enforcement capabilities. He also commended the dedication and hard work of all the participants, trainers, and organizers. “The knowledge and expertise you have gained through this training will undoubtedly contribute to the safety and security of Pakistan's maritime domain. The INL supports police around the globe through training and equipment. While it is often very exciting to work with the latest technology and cool gadgets, I have learned that the cornerstone of any law enforcement agency is its people and their capacity to serve. I am always pleased to see training opportunities like this one for our counterparts, to ensure that those in the field are fully prepared to carry out duties”, said Mr. Swann.
In his closing address, Commodore (Pakistan Navy) Amir Iqbal Khan (Tamgha-e-Basalat), Deputy Director General PMSA expressed PMSA’s appreciation to the INL for its generous support and funding to make this training possible, and UNODC’s leading role in organizing such important training courses. “Your contributions have significantly enhanced maritime training for Pakistan. The QTC- 1 & 2 training courses comprised a total of 30 participants and were conducted under the expertise and dedicated guidance of the PMSA. This reinforces our agency’s capacity to provide comprehensive and practical maritime training for interagency collaboration, with hands-on exercises in the sea, focusing on Search and Rescue (SAR), Boarding Operations, and Towing scenarios – to provide the trainees with practical knowledge essential for real-world maritime operations. Such exposure will help them develop confidence, decision-making abilities, and the understanding necessary to handle the complexities of maritime environments more effectively”, stated Commodore Amir Iqbal Khan.
Immediately after the ceremony, all trainees and visiting delegates were ushered to the water channel and boarded their respective vessels to participate in the final boarding exercise of this training course in the open sea. The boarding exercise involved the use of three Fast-Response Boats (FRBs) in the interdiction and boarding of an actual dhow used in smuggling previously captured by the PMSA and observation of the exercise by the visiting delegates aboard the Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) Kolachi. A high standard of operational and technical expertise was displayed by all trainees.
At the conclusion, the INL and UNODC delegates expressed their special thanks and gratitude to the Director General PMSA and senior staff for their professionalism, dedication, and in-kind contribution towards implementing these important interagency QTCs in Karachi, by making available PMSA’s training facilities and operational maritime assets.
