ISLAMABAD, Pakistan:Â Denmark has launched a new defense cooperation programme envisaging support to Pakistan’s military and civil security forces for countering the threat of extremism and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).
The programme was launched by the Danish Vice-Chief of Defense, Lieutenant General Per Ludvigsen here over the weekend. The general is currently visiting Pakistan for the programme launch along with delegation members from the Royal Danish Defense College.The launch ceremony was held in Islamabad and was attended by high-level dignitaries from the Pakistani Government, military, diplomatic corps including senior defense analysts.
In his remarks on the occasion, Lieutenant General Per Ludvigsen said, “It is my expectation that the military institutions involved in this new programme will make strong efforts to get the best out of the programme and thereby contribute to the fight against extremism and militancy, which the region is facing.”
Talking to APP General Ludvigsen said the on-going operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists in North Waziristan had dramatically reduced terrorists incidents in Pakistan but called for a joint civil-military strategy to tackle the bane of terrorism.
“The level of terrorists attacks have really come down dramatically and I think it is due to the intervention of Pakistan Armed Forces. From the Danish perspective I think it is (operation) not only worthwhile but is highly commendable because it also promotes peace and security in our part of the world because it is against global terrorists movements,” said the general.
The new defense programme also support Pakistan’s military and civil security forces to improve Pakistan’s border management control related to drugs, movement of militants and general smuggling. The programme will also focus on strengthening the rule of law in Pakistan by improving the legislative frameworks and technical capacities that support police, prosecutors and judges to maintain the rule of law. It will also help Pakistan ensure free and fair trials, provide access to justice for citizens and ensure that trust is developed between the state and its citizens.
The Danish-Pakistani cooperation programme will also address the maritime threats to Pakistan’s stability and security, which range from drug smuggling through illegal fishing to maritime pollution. Lastly, the cooperation program will include skill-training courses on counter-narcotics, environmental protection and search and rescue operations.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ms. Helle Nielsen, Charg’ d’ Affaires at Danish embassy said, “Denmark fully recognizes that the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered more from terrorism than perhaps any other country. Nothing is more important for us than to find solutions to peace and prosperity, why working together, build trust, create counter-terrorism and anti-crime networks and exchange best practices is more important than ever. This is exactly what we hope to achieve through our new regional program.”
The new programme is part of an overall regional programme, which is under planning and aims to contribute to stability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The regional programme will focus on supporting the development of more effective and accountable institutions that protect the civilian population and support processes to increase regional reconciliation and confidence building measures.
APP
