The US State Department has said that America will be pursuing four new initiatives to support the Balochistan police "in their efforts to protect and serve their local communities".
"We’re going to provide $4 million in assistance to expand the anti-terrorist force training facility – $2 million to repair or replace 10 flood-damaged police stations and $2 million to construct 10 new police stations that incorporate the same model to improve service to women, girls, and all Pakistanis," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller during his press briefing on Tuesday.
Miller also said that an additional $250,000 in equipment would be provided to protect law enforcement officers in conducting their work.
The spokesman was responding to a question about a group of US lawmakers writing to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and asking the Biden administration to suspend all military assistance to Pakistan over human rights violations and the political crisis. The question came in light of US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome announcing an aid package of $4m for Pakistani security forces to bolster the country's counterterrorism capabilities.
He further responded that such initiatives built on the over 40-year partnership between the US mission in Pakistan and Islamabad on civilian security and rule of law.
"From our standpoint, the partnership improves justice institutions and provides law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect Pakistan citizens," he added.
Alleged Imran-Blome meeting
Miller was also asked to comment on media reports in Pakistan that Ambassador Blome held a meeting with former prime minister Imran Khan in Adiala Jail and discussed the political situation.
To this, he referred the journalist asking the question to the embassy for any comment on any meetings the ambassador has.
"But as we have said a number of times, we do not take positions on candidates for political office in Pakistan or any other country," he underscored.
Deportation of Afghan refugees
The spokesman further said that it was in the interest of both the US and Pakistan to ensure safe and efficient resettlement of Afghan refugees and asylum seekers. He said the US was in close and constant communication with Pakistan on the safety of individuals in the US pipeline.
Miller was asked for a comment that on the request of the US government, Pakistan would not deport 25,000 Afghan refugees awaiting American visas.
"It is our desire to work in good faith with the government of Pakistan to address any concerns that it may have. Our key concern is the safety of vulnerable and at-risk individuals. And we join all of our partners in urging all countries, including Pakistan, to uphold their respective obligations in the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and strongly encourage all of Afghanistan’s neighbours to allow entry for Afghans seeking international protection and coordinate with international humanitarian organizations to provide humanitarian assistance," he commented.
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