Pakistan and U.S. to expand cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism

2011-07-06 03:56:50 GMT+7 (ICT)

ISLAMABAD (BNO NEWS) -- Pakistan and the United States on Tuesday agreed to expand their cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism, the state-run APP news agency reported.

The agreement came during the fourth Ministerial Level Pakistan-U.S. Strategic Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism held in Islamabad. The two governments were represented by Pakistan's Minister of Interior Rehman Malik and William Brownfield, Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

The two delegations also discussed the impact of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on both law enforcement personnel and civilians in Pakistan and in its tribal area near the Afghan border.

IED attacks and suicide bombings have been the most frequent method used by militants. Since the beginning of the year, more than 500 Pakistani civilians have been killed in attacks of this kind.

Assistant Secretary Brownfield paid tribute to the fallen police officers at the Police Martyrs Memorial which recognizes the 1,400 law enforcement officers who have died in the fight against terrorism.

"The United States appreciates the enduring commitment and support of Pakistan to fight extremists and recognizes the extreme sacrifice of Pakistan's law enforcement and military personnel," said Brownfield.

The two delegations also exchanged ideas on how to improve the prosecution of these cases, including strengthening the legislative framework for terrorism, IED and suicide attacks and illegal shipments.

The U.S. considers Pakistan's Afghan border to be the most dangerous place on Earth. It is known to be a stronghold of the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network, considered one of the top terrorist organizations and threats to U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

In response, the U.S. conducts unmanned drone strikes in the region targeting militants, compounds and other strategic objectives. However, the Pakistani people and the government have complained to the increasing civilian casualties caused by the U.S. operations.

Tensions between the two countries further increased after the May operation in which al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden was killed within Pakistani territory. Pakistan deplored the mission and labeled it as "unilateral."

On May 2, the U.S. conducted a secret mission at a compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad after discovering that it was the hideout of Bin Laden, who is believed to have ordered the attacks of September 11, 2001. Pakistan has launched a commission to investigate U.S. actions and possible violations to Pakistani law during the operation.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-06

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