UK to further boost Pakistan's counter-explosive capability
The UK will offer Pakistan a package worth nearly £1m to support essential counter-explosive equipment previously gifted to the country.
In a written statement Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the UK will gift Pakistan spare parts for Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment including Vallon metal detectors.
Pakistan faces a severe threat from IED attacks from terrorists based in its country. It has sought the UK’s assistance in developing the capabilities of its security forces to tackle this threat.
In May, the UK finished providing a three-year counter-IED (C-IED) programme to help Pakistan develop a multi-agency ability to tackle IEDs. As part of this programme, the UK has gifted nearly £13 million of C-IED equipment to Pakistan.
Last month Mr Fallon visited Pakistan and offered a new enhanced three-year package of C-IED support. As well as renewing support in finding and defusing IEDs, it would also include vital training in how to gather and analyse forensic evidence from bomb scenes.
He said:
I’m pleased that we are able to offer this support package as our counter-IED work is part of our close partnership with Pakistan and our shared determination to fight terrorism.
By working together, we will make our streets safer at home in the UK and in Pakistan. Pakistan has a rapidly expanding C-IED capability, with over 5,000 of its security forces trained, and more of these IEDs are being defeated across the provinces and lives are being saved. Pakistani battalions, who have benefited from UK support, have been operating for more than a year as part of the military’s counter terrorism operations.
The value of the package is £948,439.00, plus around £40,000 for packaging and shipping, and is expected to be gifted later this year.