KARACHI: In their resolve to support the efforts of government of Pakistan to counter the threats of terrorism, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan have launched a three-year technical assistance programme to strengthen the criminal justice response in Pakistan to counter terrorism, according to UNODC news release issued on Tuesday. The project will improve the investigative processes and promote the use of forensic evidence during the prosecution stages of terrorism related cases. It will also strengthen the coordination between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department, Police and Prosecution, NACTA and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police. With the financial support of seven million euros by the European Union, “Pakistan’s Action to Counter Terrorism with a special reference to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” (PACT) project was developed by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) on behalf of government of Pakistan in collaboration with the UNODC. During the project development stages both provincial and federal stakeholders were closely consulted to ensure that project objectives directly contribute to the needs of each institution. In his opening remarks the NACTA Counter Terrorism Director General Sheikh Muhammad Umar appreciated and recognised the role of the international community particularly the EU and UNODC in working closely with NACTA for building its capacity for an effective response to combat terrorism. “More than ever there is a need for strong international collaboration to counter terrorism. Counter-terrorism will remain a top priority in the EU’s security dialogue with Pakistan and PACT is a logical next step in this longstanding solid partnership said EU Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Jean-François Cautain in his key remarks. The UNODC Country Representative Mr Cesar Guedes in his remarks highlighted the importance of the project and mentioned that “UNODC has been collaborating with the government of Pakistan for over 37 years and for the first time it would be providing assistance in the area of counter-terrorism by working closely with the relevant stakeholders at both provincial and federal levels in partnership with the European Union.” NACTA Member Chaudhry Muhammad Asghar as a Chief Guest on behalf of the Honourable Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan appreciated the close working relation of the European Union and the United Nations with the government of Pakistan for making collaborative efforts in eliminating terrorism. The government is in the process of implementing the National Action Plan against terrorism and the objectives of the signed project would directly contribute towards in its execution. UNODC is the key United Nations entity with the mandate and expertise to deliver counter-terrorism legal technical assistance to member states for the ratification, legislative incorporation and implementation of the international legal instruments against terrorism.