US to give $23.5 million to beef up Pak security system

ISLAMABAD: The US today said it would provide $ 23.5 million to Pakistan for building law enforcement capability' fighting illicit narcotics' and reforming the country's criminal justice system.

Economic Affairs Secretary Nargis Sethi and US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson signed a bilateral assistance agreement in this regard here today.

Speaking on the occasion' Olson praised Pakistan's achievements in the field of narcotics control and said these include a significant reduction in domestic poppy cultivation and improved capacity for Pakistan's civilian police to manage mass demonstrations.

Applauding Pakistan for these accomplishments' Olson noted that this agreement demonstrates the US' ongoing commitment to partner with Pakistan to confront domestic security challenges.