ISLAMABAD, Nov 1: The Netherlands has announced a contribution of $2.5 million to support the ‘Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Programme’ in Balochistan.

The Dutch government and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) signed an agreement to this effect on Thursday. UNODC Country Representative Jeremy Douglas and Dutch Ambassador Gajus Scheltema signed the accord. IGP Balochistan Tarik Umar Khatab also attended the ceremony.

The funding will go to the country programme of the UNODC which would work with the law-enforcement agencies to improve their internal management, strengthen institutional capacity of police training, enhance crime scene investigation skills and increase awareness about human trafficking. It will also focus on mainstreaming in-service training, improving case management and monitoring and strengthening cooperation between the police and prosecutors.

The three-year programme aims to strengthen key components of criminal justice system and provide assistance to the police and prosecution services for increased access to justice and reinforcement of law in Balochistan.

The project document says that of all the places in the country Balochistan is the most vulnerable to trans-national crimes, including human trafficking, drug trade and the availability of stuff needed for manufacturing of drugs, explosive material, and arms and ammunition.

The province is also a transit location for migrants coming to or leaving Pakistan for other countries.

The assistance will help improve training in modern law-enforcement techniques, including evidence collection, transfer of technology and up-to-date knowledge on crimes. It will also enhance cooperation between the agencies and prosecutors.

Ambassador Scheltema said the Dutch foreign policy gave priority to safety, security, stability and human rights in Pakistan.

IGP Khitab said the police department was working closely with its partners to improve the capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice systems in Balochistan.