Denmark contributes to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts

More than 400 Pakistani personnel trained as part of countering Improvised Explosive Devices training supported by Denmark and the UK

Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Jesper Moller Sorensen and Denmark’s Defence Attache, Colonel Thor Hilton, visited the Military College of Engineering in Risalpur to witness a training session for Army and Civilian Law Enforcement Agency personnel on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

During his visit to the Military College of Engineering in Risalpur, Denmark’s ambassador, Jesper Sorensen said Pakistan was playing a key role in countering terrorism and his country would never forget its great sacrifices in fight against the scourge.

“Pakistan is a key player in this region and in the global fight against terrorism. We will never forget the terrible losses, terrorism has inflicted on Pakistan. Denmark supports the people of Pakistan in our common fight against terrorism,” he said.

The training session, attended by the Danish Ambassador and Defence Attache, was held at Military College of Engineering for Army and Civilian Law Enforcement Agency personnel on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), according to a news release of the embassy.

More than 400 Pakistan Army and Civilian Law Enforcement Agency personnel have been trained during the last 12 months as part of the programme.

The training is part of an overall capacity building program to counter-IEDs (C-IED) which is supported by Denmark and the UK. The purpose of the training is to assist Pakistan in developing a unique nationwide Centre of Excellence in support of the C-IED efforts done by the Civil Protection Agency, the police and the Pakistani military services.

Denmark has also contributed USD 750,000 to a sustainability project for C-IED equipment to ensure effective mechanisms for the servicing, maintenance and repair of C-IED equipment thus increasing their operational effectiveness.

“Our support goes to building up and sustaining Pakistan’s capacity to counter IEDs, as IEDs have taken far too many lives – most were innocent people who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. We fully recognize the hardship that the people of Pakistan have gone through over the last decade”, Ambassador Sorensen said.

Danish Ambassador, Jesper Sorensen visits the Military College of Engineering in Risalpur, Pakistan.
Danish Ambassador, Jesper Sorensen visits the Military College of Engineering in Risalpur, Pakistan.

Denmark’s Defence Attaché, Colonel Thor Hilton, highlighted that the program has been well received by the Pakistan military.

“The trained CIED specialists have played an important role in preventing IED attacks on soldiers and in achieving successful results in their operations against militants. The training will not only focus on the handlers of the IED’s but also personnel, who is able to investigate evidence that can be used in intelligence analysis and presented in court cases”, said Colonel Hilton.

In 2014 alone, IEDs constituted 43 percent of all terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The UK has been building Pakistani capacity in this area since 2006. Denmark entered the project in June 2013. The Danish contribution is of USD 1.5 million for two years, while the training schedule continues to be UK-led.

The purpose of the training is to assist Pakistan in developing a unique nationwide Centre of Excellence in support of the C-IED efforts, done by the Civil Protection Agency, the police and the Pakistani military services.

Denmark will continue to support the project as part of its upcoming Stabilization Program for 2015-2017.

Denmark contributes to Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts.
Denmark contributes to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Photo Courtesy: Embassy of Denmark in Pakistan Facebook page

Sana Jamalhttps://about.me/sanajamal
Storyteller. Avid Reader. Learner to the core.

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