Canada and UNODC Strengthen Pakistan’s Security through Strategic Partnerships
Islamabad: With the financial backing of the Canadian Government, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pakistan Country Office is collaborating closely with the Government of Pakistan to improve security, law enforcement, and judicial systems.
Through a series of strategic initiatives and key engagements in Karachi and Islamabad, this partnership highlights the strong, lasting relationship between Pakistan, Canada, and the UNODC. Together, they are enhancing institutional capabilities to tackle emerging security threats and governance issues, while promoting human rights and gender sensitivity through programs for law enforcement and criminal justice stakeholders.
In a major move to bolster Pakistan’s aviation security, UNODC and the Canadian Government officially handed over one of several advanced 360-degree body scanners to the Pakistan Airports Security Force (ASF). These scanners, which will be installed at major airports, are designed to improve passenger screening, prevent the smuggling of illegal goods, and strengthen border security.
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At the formal event held at the ASF Center in Karachi, Major General Adnan Asif Jah Shad, Director General of ASF, received the equipment, emphasizing its role in modernizing security operations. UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester highlighted the long-term impact of this initiative and reaffirmed UNODC and Canada’s commitment to improving Pakistan’s aviation security and border management.
Her Excellency Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, underscored the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations and stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing common security challenges.
UNODC and the Government of Canada, in partnership with NACTA and the Sindh Police, inaugurated an eLearning Centre at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Sindh Police.
This facility offers law enforcement personnel access to over 150 specialized training modules covering crucial topics such as counter-terrorism strategies, cybercrime investigations, and the prevention of violent extremism.
Speaking at the event, Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh, Mr. Muzaffar Ali Shaikh, emphasized the importance of digital learning in equipping law enforcement officers with necessary investigative and operational skills. The High Commissioner of Canada praised the contributions of Sindh Police in combating terrorism in Karachi and emphasized the importance of training front-line officers to stay ahead of evolving security threats.
In Islamabad, UNODC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Law and Justice of Pakistan and the Government of Canada, launched the Case Assignment & Management System (CAMS)—a groundbreaking digital solution aimed at modernizing case management, streamlining case tracking, and increasing transparency in judicial processes.
Key goals of CAMS include: enhancing the efficiency of legal case management, improving coordination between government ministries and law officers, ensuring timely case resolution, and reducing administrative delays.
The launch of CAMS represents a significant achievement in judicial governance, underscoring a shared commitment to using technology to build a more transparent and efficient legal system.
During the event, Prime Minister Honorable Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif noted that this system was long overdue, and by improving its efficiency, it would directly enhance service delivery to citizens nationwide.
Her Excellency Ms. Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada, remarked, “It is a privilege to witness the launch of CAMS, a digital platform that strengthens legal governance and accountability. Canada is committed to supporting innovative solutions that make procedures more transparent and efficient for the benefit of citizens. The participation of the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan in this launch demonstrates the government’s commitment to legal reforms and a shift toward institutionalizing e-office initiatives.”
UNODC Country Representative Mr. Troels Vester emphasized, “Today marks a historic milestone as we introduce CAMS—an innovative tool that will enhance transparency and streamline legal processes across Pakistan. The Prime Minister’s presence underscores the importance of modernizing litigation management to ensure efficient governance and access to justice. This system is a testament to our dedication to modernizing government institutions, ensuring accountability, and expediting case management.”
Ms. Erin Estey, visiting from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, participated in all meetings and engaged with various project stakeholders to better understand the impact of ongoing technical support provided by Canadian-funded projects through UNODC. These efforts aim to strengthen the operational capacity of law enforcement and criminal justice authorities in preventing and countering terrorism, improving border management across airports, and disrupting illicit financial flows.
