National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): France would assist Pakistan in
strengthening capabilities of Police in the area of counter-terrorism.
The strengthening Police Force in Pakistan will be implemented through
a three-year program aimed at developing specific police skills such as scientific and technical assistance, expertise in identifying forged documents, cyber crime and civil defence.
Bilateral agreement to this effect was formally signed between
France and Pakistan at the fourth round of talks on Joint Security
Commission of both the countries held at the Ministry of Defence on
Wednesday, news release of the ministry stated here.
Secretary Defence Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak, led
Pakistan delegation while French delegation was led by Louis
Gautier, Secretary General for Defence and National Security.
Prior to holding of the Plenary Session Louis Gautier
called on Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Alam Khattak in his office during
which issues relating to bilateral security cooperation and counter-
terrorism were discussed.
Both the leaders also shared sympathies on tragic terrorist
acts in France and Pakistan.
During the session, both sides deliberated upon various areas of
mutual interest including security matters, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment.
In addition, the delegation took stock of the actions that
have been undertaken since last Joint Security Commission meeting held in France in January 2014.
Both sides discussed the success achieved by Government of
Pakistan through Operation Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan.
The discussion also focused on possible academic exchanges
between the institutions of the two countries on security issues and
benefit from each others experience and capabilities to counter the
common threat of terrorism and extremism.
The French side also offered to share its expertise and best
practices on crises management procedures such as natural catastrophe or plane crashes.
The two sides agreed to deliberate the issue further in upcoming
months in Paris.
Talks of Joint Security Commission were held in a cordial
atmosphere.
Leaders of both sides shared their resolve to work together
for enhanced cooperation in the field of defence and capacity
building of Law Enforcement Agencies.
They also agreed that the 5th Round of Pakistan-France Joint
Security Commission Talks will take place in France in early 2017.