Nato to set up fund for training of security forces

ISLAMABAD: The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) has decided to establish a trust fund in order to train Pakistan’s security forces in counter-terrorism techniques.

Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen informed President Asif Zardari about the decision during a meeting on Wednesday, according to spokesman Farhatullah Babar.

The president welcomed the initiative and at the same time urged the alliance to provide equipment for capacity-building of the country’s counter-terrorism units.

Capacity building and training of our military as well as civilian officers are essential for combating the challenges posed by militancy and terrorism, he added.

Mr Zardari, stressing the need for strengthening of ties between Pakistan and Nato, said the two shared objectives of enhancing regional and global peace and were partners in the international coalition against terrorism.

Those who attended the meeting, among others, were Babur Hizlan, the Turkish Ambassador, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Defence Secretary Syed Athar Ali.

The president said at the meeting the war against terror had not only affected Pakistan but the entire international community.

Pakistan, however, is paying the greatest price in terms of human and material losses. We have been trying to convince our partners about the urgency to augment our capacity to fight militancy, the president said.

We have proved to the world that we have the determination and the capability to effectively take on the challenge, but we need resources and capacity-building with necessary tools and equipment, Mr Zardari added.

The president said Islamabad had been urging the international community to help it in creating opportunity zones in the conflict-ridden areas in order to change militant mindset.

Dwelling on the regional situation, Mr Zardari assured the Nato chief that Pakistan had a stake in Afghanistans peace and stability. A strong and stable Afghanistan will help in eliminating the sources of funding and weapons to terrorists.

A participant alleged during the meeting that drug money was being used for not only offering attractive packages to militants but also for attracting frustrated and unemployed youth.