Shiren Zhao  Chinese Consul General in Lahore

Dec. 4, 2023  Punjab Forensic Science Agency

Dr. Jeremy Milsom, Country Representative Pakistan of UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),

Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Director General PFSA,

A very good morning to you all.

It gives me immense pleasure to be here, for the opening of the Training Session for Crime Scene Managers of the CTD Balochistan. As PFSA being the only prestigious facility of its kind in the country, and Pakistan entering a new election cycle, I think that the venue and timing for this training program are quite befitting. I’d like to congratulate the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Pakistan National Counter- Terrorism Authority (NACTA) for launching this timely initiative and collaborative endeavor. I also like to commend all officers of CTD Balochistan for your dedication, performance and sacrifices made in fighting terrorism in Pakistan.

Terrorism of various manifestations is the common enemy facing humanity. Tackling this menace requires investment, empowerment and sacrifices, and it also pertains to achieving the UN sustainable development goals. Therefore, we should design a smart strategy, introduce a holistic approach and comprehensive solution,  followed by military options, decisive intelligence-based operations and law enforcement actions.

China and Pakistan enjoy long-standing partnership and time-tested friendship. Our collaboration in fighting terrorism maintains a strong momentum. China has shared its anti-terror expertise with and given technological and logistical support to Pakistan in addressing this re-surging threat. China further assists Pakistan in capacity-building and institutional building through multilateral channels. I’m very pleased to learn that this training program benefits from the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, which was financed by the Chinese Government. This project once again demonstrates that we Chinese stand by Pakistan and the international community stand united against terrorism.

Winning this war is vital for Pakistan’s national security, socioeconomic development and the well-being of the people. It is also paramount to ensuring the high-quality development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. In light of the prevailing circumstance, CTDs of all provinces, in collaboration with the Pakistan army and other law enforcement agencies, have made commendable contributions in addressing the terrorism threat. Their joint efforts and coordinated actions have played a crucial role in curbing and responding to terrorist activities, both internal and external.

But terrorism is not only about rebels, separatists and extremists, it also covers internal disturbances, cross-border attacks, armed ambush, roadside IED explosions, and conventional crimes such as armed robbery, murder, target killing and kidnapping for ransom. Building on this program engagement, I believe all the officers concerned can get more practical knowledge on fingerprinting, murder investigation, computer forensics, DNA collection, testing for toxic substance and preservation of the crime scene, to name just a few. Thus I sincerely wish all the participants be equipped with hands-on expertise, professional skills and updated knowledge, so that you can serve your country better and make Pakistan safer and free from the scourge of terrorism.

Again I thank you all and wish the program a big success.