Japan contributed $3,730,935 for multiple projects to UNODC Country Office Pakistan

Play Up Media Event

 

Islamabad, 10 May 2018 - The UNODC Country Office in Pakistan and the Embassy of Japan hosted a play up media event for UNODC projects aimed at enhancing air cargo security, combating transnational organized crime, strengthening border security against illicit drug trafficking and response to counter terrorism at Serena Hotel. This generous contribution of about 3,730,935 US dollars for four projects will be implemented under the UNODC Country Programme for Pakistan (2016-2019) and Container Control Programme for the duration of one year. This makes the Government of Japan the largest donor of UNODC Country Office Pakistan. Japan's current contribution 10.5 Million USD to our Country Programme II covers 35% of the entire programmed budget. 

H.E. Mr. Takashi Kurai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Zulfiqar Bhatti, Director Counter Terrorism, NACTA, Mr. Asad Raza Rizvi, Chief International Customs, Federal Bureau of Revenue, Mr. Shahzad Durrani, Deputy Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control, Mr. Fazal Umminallah, Chief of Security (COS), Civil Air Authority (CAA), and officials from ANF and other agencies attended the event. 

Mr. Cesar Guedes, Representative UNODC, in his opening remarks said that the Government of Japan has always been forthcoming to support the people of Pakistan in advancing towards a peaceful and prosperous future.The partnership between UNODC and the Government of Japan is based upon a diligent professional relationship; as we are closely coordinating future capacity-building interventions to improve the rule of law under the ownership of the Government of Pakistan.

He further added that the financial support for these multiple projects has been received at a juncture when the importance of regional and international cooperation in Asia has increased manifolds. While on the one hand, the nexus of organized crime and terrorism has emerged as a critical threat to the world, on the other, violence continues to undermine stability and development across the globe. Conventional drugs and new psychoactive substances, continue to proliferate outside international control, posing new risks for the world at large. Through the financial support of the Government of Japan, these projects will contribute to the vision of creating "a safer community, free from the threats posed by illicit narcotics trafficking and transnational organized crime." 

H.E. Mr. Takashi Kurai, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to help Pakistan eradicate all types of transnational organized crime including illicit drug trafficking. Mr. Kurai stated that the Government of Japan stands committed to combating international criminal syndicates, which through their illicit activities hinder the economic development and prosperity of the Pakistani people.

Mr. Guedes thanked the Government of Pakistan and its law enforcement agencies especially the Ministry of Narcotics Control and Anti Narcotics Force as the lead on counter-narcotics in Pakistan, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for their constant support to UNODC for the smooth implementation of UNODC Country Programme. It reflects UNODC and the Government of Japan combined strategy to combat the menace of drug trafficking and other transnational organized crimes, and counter terrorism in the country and beyond. 

 

Media coverage

 

1.     The News

2.     Express Tribune Islamabad

3.     The Nation

4.     Daily Times

5.     APP

6.     APP

7.     APP

8.     Pakistan News 

9.     The Financial Daily

10.   Urdu Shafaqna

11.   Daily Urdu Point

12.   Pakistanintheworld

13.   Facebook - The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

14.   The Embassy of Japan in Pakistan