ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: /DNA/ – With the financial support of the Government of Canada, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office Pakistan is working hand in hand with the Government of Pakistan to enhance security, law enforcement, and judicial systems. Through a series of strategic initiatives and high-level engagements in Karachi and Islamabad, this collaboration underscores the strong and enduring partnership between Pakistan, Canada, and the UNODC. Together, they are strengthening institutional capabilities to address emerging security threats and governance challenges effectively while promoting human rights and gender responsiveness through initiatives for law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders.
Handing over Ceremony of Advanced Body Scanners to Airports Security Force – Karachi
In a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s aviation security, UNODC and Government of Canada officially handed over one of several advanced 360-degree body scanners to the Pakistan Airports Security Force (ASF). These scanners, which would be installed at major airports, will enhance the screening processes of passengers, preventing the smuggling of illicit goods and strengthening border security.
At the formal ceremony held at the ASF Center in Karachi, Major General Adnan Asif Jah Shad, Director General of ASF, received the equipment, highlighting its role in modernizing security operations. UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester stressed the long-term impact of this initiative, reaffirming UNODC and Canada’s commitment to Pakistan’s aviation security and border management.
Her Excellency Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, emphasized the deep-rooted partnership between the two governments and the importance of global cooperation in tackling common security challenges.
Inauguration of an eLearning Centre at CTD Sindh Police – Karachi
UNODC and the Government of Canada, in collaboration with NACTA and Sindh Police, inaugurated an eLearning Centre at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Sindh Police.
This facility provides law enforcement personnel with access to over 150 specialized training modules, covering critical topics such as: Counter-terrorism strategies, Cybercrime investigations and Prevention of violent extremism
Speaking at the event, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Mr. Muzaffar Ali Shaikh, stressed the pivotal role of digital learning in equipping law enforcement officers with essential investigative and operational skills. The High Commissioner of Canada acknowledged the contributions of Sindh Police in addressing the threats of terrorism in Karachi and emphasized on the importance of training front line officials to stay ahead of evolving security threats.
Modernizing Pakistan’s Judicial System – Launch of the Case Assignment & Management System (CAMS) – Islamabad
In Islamabad, UNODC, in partnership with the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan and the Government of Canada, launched the Case Assignment & Management System (CAMS)—a transformative digital solution designed to modernize litigation management, streamline case tracking, and improve transparency in judicial processes.
Key objectives of CAMS include: Enhancing efficiency in managing legal cases, strengthening coordination between government ministries and law officers, and ensuring timely case disposal and reducing administrative delays.
The launch of CAMS marks a milestone in judicial governance, underscoring a shared commitment to leveraging technology for a more transparent and efficient legal system.
During the launch ceremony the Prime Minster Honorable Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif mentioned that this was long overdue, and by making the system more efficient it would directly improve service delivery to citizens across the country.
In her remarks Her Excellency the High Commissioner of Canada Ms. Leslie Scanlon said “it is an privilege to witness the launch of CAMS, a digital platform that reinforces strong legal governance and accountability. Canada is committed to supporting innovative solutions and by making procedures more transparent and efficient for the benefit of citizens. Having the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan participate in the launch of this initiative showcases the commitment of the government in legal reforms and a paradigm shift towards institutionalizing e-office initiatives”.
UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester highlighted that “today marks a historic milestone as we launch CAMS—an innovative tool that will enhance transparency and streamline legal processes across Pakistan. The presence of the Honorable Prime Minister at this launch underscores the critical importance of modernizing litigation management to ensure efficient governance and access to justice. This system embodies our commitment to modernizing government entities, ensuring accountability, and expediting case management.”
Ms. Erin Estey who was visiting from the Global Affairs Canada team in Ottawa participated in all the meetings and met with various project stakeholders to get a better understanding of the impact of ongoing technical assistance through various Canadian funded projects through UNODC to enhance the operational capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders in preventing and countering terrorism, enhancing border management approaches across airports and disrupting illicit financial flows.
