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YouTubeLaunch Ceremony of UNODC’s Maritime Security Project (Phase II) funded by the United States of America
14 June 2024, Karachi - The Government of Pakistan, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with the support of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) United States of America, organized a launch ceremony of UNODC’s project entitled ‘Improved National Response against Drugs and Contraband Trafficking in the Maritime Domain (Phase II) – 2023-2024.’ The event took place in Karachi on 13 June 2024, to mark the commencement of a one-year project built around the successful accomplishments of the Phase I Project (October 2020-March 2023).
This high-profile project launch ceremony was co-chaired by Rear Admiral (Pakistan Navy) Imtiaz Ali – Director General of the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Mr. Andrew Schofer – Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Islamabad. Other senior officials participating; included the Director INL Pakistan; a Representative of UNODC Country Office Pakistan (COPAK); the Collector of Customs (Enforcement) Karachi; the Director General of the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG); the Director (International Cooperation), Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and the Regional Director Sindh of the Anti-Narcotics Force, ANF.
Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Representative UNODC COPAK warmly welcomed all participants and appraised them of UNODC’s close engagements with the Ministry of Narcotics Control and the ANF during the design and implementation of the Phase I Project. “We at UNODC are adopting a holistic approach to support the Government of Pakistan in addressing diverse drugs and crime challenges more effectively both domestically and by fostering Pakistan’s partnership at various regional and international forums. While fully aligned with UNODC’s global and country strategies, this Phase II Project would greatly complement the Government’s vision and ongoing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s border management, drug supply reduction, and the rule of law – aimed at creating a secure environment for the Pakistani people,” said Dr. Milsom.
Mr. David O’Connell, GMCP’s Programme Coordinator made a comprehensive presentation to elaborate on threat dynamics concerning the smuggling of drugs and other contraband items through Pakistan and highlighted various successful accomplishments of the Phase I Project along with a synopsis of the Phase II Project, with intended project outcomes, namely ‘Improved interagency coordination between Pakistan’s maritime law enforcement agencies,’ ‘Enhanced cooperation between Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and their regional counterparts,’; and ‘Increased capability of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies in detecting, deterring, and disrupting drugs/contraband trafficking through coastal areas/maritime domain.’
In his remarks, Mr. Andrew Schofer stressed that a secure maritime environment was not just a Pakistani priority, but a global one, as drug trafficking and smuggling fuel instability and threaten the security of nations worldwide. “By confronting these issues head-on, we are contributing to a safer and more prosperous future for all,” he stated. Mr. Schofer also highlighted the 77 years of partnership between the Governments of the United States and Pakistan, and the 42 years of the U.S. Mission to Pakistan’s security assistance through the INL. ”I look forward to the roundtable discussions and hope we may identify areas for greater collaboration that can benefit Pakistan’s maritime security and help to make the country a safer, more prosperous, and drug-free nation” added Mr. Schofer.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali elaborated that owing to its geographical disposition, Pakistan has long been exposed to the negative and wide-ranging consequences of the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances emanating from Afghanistan. “As a signatory to the three United Nations drug conventions, the Government of Pakistan envisions a healthier Pakistani nation – that is free from the menace of drug trafficking and the ill effects on health caused by using narcotics drugs. Opiates and synthetic drugs produced in Afghanistan are transported through the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to various far-flung destination countries. In view, Pakistan continues to serve as the first line of defense against a massive outflow of narcotic drugs from Afghanistan – that threatens security throughout our region and beyond. We are addressing this issue with resilience – to protect our society, and at the same time, shield the rest of the world,” said Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali.
These interventions were followed by a roundtable discussion hosted by Mr. Andrew Schofer, focusing on a review of the current and emerging threats, lessons learned, and recommendations for future improvement in this new area of UNODC’s capacity development in Pakistan. Ms. Lori Antolinez, Director of U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s INL Program concluded the roundtable by thanking the senior leadership of Pakistani ministries and maritime law enforcement for their candid views and emphasized the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to partnering with Pakistan’s law enforcement and maritime security agencies.
Media:
https://www.dawn.com/news/1840112
https://voiceofmelange.global/?p=13385
https://theasiantelegraph.global/?p=14349
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/93mGFwgDxgnJrEWe/
https://www.jasarat.com/2024/06/14/maritime-security-project/
US envoy Andrew Schofer visits Karachi to bolster maritime security, cultural ties