Bolivian experts laud ANF Pakistan
By Hamza Rahman Malik
Islamabad, Pakistan: Bolivian canine experts have lauded the role of Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF).
A technical needs assessment mission conducted by a team of counter-narcotics canine experts from the Bolivian Police has lauded Pakistan’s Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) for its record endeavors in countering menace of illicit drugs.
The two membered assessment mission from Bolivia comprising canine experts set a ten-day comprehensive visit to Pakistan, aimed at evaluating the canine capacity of ANF, and to make recommendations for possible future improvements. The mission was jointly hosted by the UN Office for Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan and the ANF. It explored the steps required to bring the canine capacity of Pakistani law enforcement agencies in line with the international standards.
“Our close partnership with the Government of Pakistan demands pragmatic measures in support of the ANF’s counter-narcotics drive in the country” said Cesar Guedes, the UNODC Rep in Pakistan. We are obliged to strengthen the capacity of the ANF as a part of the current and upcoming Country Programme (2016-2020). Our efforts aim to improve Pakistan’s response against the emerging challenges of drugs and chemical precursors trafficking especially through the Southern trafficking route.
During their stay in Pakistan, the Bolivian canine experts met Major General Khawar Hanif, Director General of the ANF and his staff. They were briefed on the tactical and operational requirements of the ANF across Pakistan. Further the mission was also shown the ANF’s breeding and training facilities in Rawalpindi and Lahore, and witnessed the canine operations of the ANF at two international airports.
DG ANF General Hanif on the occasion noted that the canine experts’ visit would further strengthen capacity building efforts of ANF. “UNODC’s canine training initiative will enhance the capacities of the ANF, as well as that of other law enforcement agencies” he said adding that his team was engaged in making the ANF’s canine breeding and training centre as one of the leading training entities in the region.
The mission acknowledged the importance of ANF’s current standard of canine training and dog-handling. They made recommendations to bring the ANF’s canine capacity to international standards. Particular reference was given to improving the canine breeding and training capabilities of the ANF and tactical deployment along both vulnerable drug trafficking routes and entry/exit points in the country.
It is pertinent to mention here that ISO-9001 certified Bolivian Police Training Centre of Drug Detecting Canines is considered one of the renowned canine training facilities in the world. It trains canine experts from eleven Latin American nations. Lieutenant Colonel Javier Mendoza, the head of the Bolivian Canine Centre, along with the Deputy Chief, Captain Jimmy Quiroga, conducted the needs assessment mission in Pakistan.
The results of this assistance are anticipated to have a positive impact on anti-narcotics efforts.
This was made possible by the continued generous support of the Government of United Kingdom to UNODC.
