Pakistan and the United States (US) officials discussed ways to increase law enforcement cooperation and combat terrorism at the final sectoral group meeting of the United States-Pakistan strategic dialogue.
This is the first time, this group has met since Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi animated the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue in Washington D.C, in March this year.
The Pakistan side was led by Interior Minister Rehman Malik and the US side was co-chaired by Ambassador Daniel Benjamin, Coordinator for Counter-terrorism, US Department of State; and Bruce Swartz, US Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Department of Justice. Both sides were assisted by senior officials from relevant departments and ministries.
The US delegation praised Pakistan’s efforts in addressing the terrorist threat and recognized the courage and extraordinary sacrifices made by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and the public in the fight against terrorism as well as acknowledged the challenges faced by Pakistan. The Pakistani side also expressed appreciation for the US support and assistance provided to country’s law enforcement agencies in support of their counter-terrorism efforts.
The delegates discussed the terrorist threat and explored ways to increase law enforcement cooperation and civilian capacity to counter those threats. Both groups shared insights into the challenges and best practices in combating terrorist groups and their support networks. The delegates discussed ways to strengthen law enforcement and judicial capacity and enhance counter-terrorism legislation.
Both the sides also discussed how to strengthen border management for the flow of legal goods and services but at the same time stop terrorists’ transit and the smuggling of contraband. The group reviewed mechanisms to detect and deter financing of terrorist groups and discussed ways to increase cooperation and information sharing on terror financing. Both sides reaffirmed their unified commitment to strengthen engagement in combating the common enemy of terrorism.