UNODC launched Third Phase of Country Programme for Pakistan 2022-2025

© UNODC-Pakistan

3 June 2022, Islamabad, Pakistan - ‘The new UNODC Country Programme for 2022 to 2025 will support Pakistan in tackling these challenges of drugs and crime through integrated, scalable, and sustainable responses to all forms of crime, with an emphasis on gender-responsive programming, for achieving the rule of law and promoting human rights’. With these words, UNODC Executive Director Ms Ghada Fathi Waly addressed the participants gathered to witness the launch of UNODC Country Office Pakistan’s new Country Programme.

Building on the numerous achievements gained during the second phase of the Country Programme (CP-II), implemented from 2016 to 2022, the third phase (CP-III) was designed in close coordination with more than 60 stakeholders from the Government of Pakistan, the UN, the private sector, and civil society. Tailoring the UNODC Strategy 2022-2025 to the needs of the Government of Pakistan and Member States, the new Country Programme proposes integrated, scalable, and sustainable solutions to address the multifaceted threats from illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, corruption and economic crime, and terrorism; and in building strong, accountable criminal justice systems. The Programme will work in synergy and close coordination with other UNODC regional and global vehicles; such as the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries, the Strategy Stability Grid, and numerous Global Programmes.

Julien Harneis, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan also emphasized that “the work of UNODC directly support the efforts of Member States related to SDG 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions” and SDG 5 “Gender Equality” which is imperative for promoting rule of law, gender responsiveness to fighting crime, improve overall governance structures, and promote citizen-centric policies for sustainable growth”.

© UNODC-Pakistan

Also speaking at the event Mr. Sabino Sikandar Acting Federal Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, noted that ‘given the complexity and international linkage of trafficking in illicit drugs, no country can win this war alone. Concerted efforts by the international community can help in addressing these challenges more effectively’.

The Goodwill Ambassador for UNODC Pakistan, Shehzad Roy said, “I had been following UNODC's work even before joining them as a Goodwill Ambassador, The Agency’s work is commendable; I am a strong advocate of all they do, and emphasize their mandate specially under SDG 16 – peace and security - which UNODC prioritizes and is so well known for” … All this work which they are doing is interlinked to make Pakistan a more secure place”. He also Government of Pakistan as UNODC GWA for partnering and paving the way for our work. He thanked all the donors for their financial support which had made it possible to bring about change and make a difference”.

At the launch the differently abled “Mrs. Ayesha Rehman and Dr. Komal Nisa” from UNODC partnered organization named “Good Will Kaniz Foundation” well-regarded the disability inclusiveness of UNODC Pakistan at all levels of its future programming and implementations. During the event the differently abled participants also interacted with the donor agencies, diplomatic missions, government officials and other UN agencies and provided their feedback as how UNODC Pakistan is working effectively to mainstream the aspects of Human Rights, Gender and Persons with disabilities at all levels.

UNODC Country Representative Dr Jeremy Milsom emphasized that the new phase of the Country Programme would focus on innovation and partnerships, aiming to better integrate and synergize all thematic areas at national, regional, and global levels: ‘I look forward to forging new partnerships with a wide range of partners to support the Government of Pakistan in becoming a role model in the fight against drugs and crime’.