09 October 2023, Karachi - UNODC Country Office Pakistan (COPAK) organized a 6-week Specialist Training Course on Countering the Use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) at the Sindh Judicial Academy, Karachi. This crucial training initiative was made possible through funding from the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement.
The 5-day training course was specifically designed to equip participants from the Civil Defense Department and Bomb Disposal Units with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in dealing with IEDs. The training covered essential topics, including the construction and detection techniques of IEDs, along with practical instruction on safe and effective disposal methods. Participants also received invaluable insights into post-blast crime scene investigations, evidence collection, and forensic analysis to enhance their capabilities in countering these threats. The course thoughtfully combined theoretical and practical aspects, ensuring a holistic learning experience for all attendees.
In total, 124 dedicated participants from the Civil Defense Department and Bomb Disposal Unit from Sindh underwent training during six separate course sessions. The demand for such training was evident, given the vital role played by the Civil Defense Department and Bomb Disposal Unit in ensuring public safety during emergencies and disasters. With IEDs posing significant risks to civilian populations, this specialized training empowered civil defense and bomb disposal unit personnel to handle such situations with confidence and skill, minimizing casualties and damage.
The complexity of dealing with IEDs and EOD necessitates specialized knowledge and skills. This comprehensive training program boosted the expertise of civil defense and bomb disposal unit personnel, enabling them to respond to incidents more effectively and professionally. The nature of IEDs, hidden and unpredictable, makes them challenging to identify and neutralize. However, through this training, personnel learned to identify potential IEDs, assess risks, and implement appropriate disposal methods safely. The significance of this training cannot be overstated, as mishandling or improper disposal of explosive devices can lead to catastrophic consequences. Through this training course, civil defense and bomb disposal unit personnel are better equipped to mitigate risks efficiently and prevent accidental detonations.
The conclusion of each course was marked with a closing ceremony, where participants were celebrated for their active engagement and successful completion of the training. Certificates of achievement were awarded, acknowledging their dedication, and newly acquired skills, reaffirming their pivotal role as key contributors to countering the use of improvised explosive devices and explosive ordnance disposal.
Specialist Training Course on Countering the Use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in Karachi was funded by the U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement as part of Pakistan's Terrorism Prevention Programme (PTP2) with reference to Sindh and Balochistan.
