Press Release

  

Sindh Police Revamped an Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit (ATFU)

 

  

 2 September 2021: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the European Union, and in collaboration the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) handed over varied essential equipment to revamp an Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit (ATFU) within the Counter Terrorism Department of Sindh Police during a ceremony held in Karachi in presence of members from the international community. 

In addition to the equipment, which was delivered under the framework of Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism (PACT) project. Since last year UNODC and NACTA together have organised 10 specialized workshops on countering the financing of terrorism to enhance the knowledge and skills of investigators and prosecutors in Sindh and approximately 300 officials have been trained so far under the PACT project.

While inaugurating the newly established Unit, UNODC Country Representative Dr. Jeremy Milsom emphasised on UNODC’s commitment to provide specialised training followed by making operational equipment available to investigators to support their day-to-day work.    

“The Government of Sindh is a frontrunner in establishing a provincial Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit in Pakistan which includes dedicated prosecutors to readily provide legal advice to investigators. The UNODC is pleased to be part of this ground-breaking initiative under PACT project and in addition to delivery equipment we are promoting conducive work environment and specialised training to the ATFU personnel to holistically enhance its counter-terrorism financing efforts.” stated Dr. Milsom. 

On behalf of the European Union Mr. François Zablot, participated and acknowledged the “efforts made by Sindh Police for addressing the challenges related to terrorism financing in the province, a greater integrated approach amongst all stakeholder on information sharing was required and with the establishment of ATFU it’s a step forward in the right direction.”  

The Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Counter Terrorism Department Sindh Police Mr. Omer Shahid appreciated UNODC and the European Union’s effort and extended his gratitude on behalf of the Inspector General for their generous contribution in supporting in making the ATFU functional. He stated that “the PACT initiative has and continues to bridge critical gaps to strengthen capacity of front-line investigators by enhancing their counter-terrorism capabilities. We are pleased to see that the initiative has adapted to our provincial needs and strategies and complements our efforts towards reaching our common goals.”

The inauguration was attended by officials of Home Department, Sindh Police along with representative of various Consulate Generals based in Karachi.

 

For further information or media enquiries please contact:

Ms Rizwana Rahool, Communication Officer; Mobile: +923018564255; Fax: + 92-51-2601469; Email: rizwana.asad@un.org