AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, attended the inauguration ceremony for the new Police Training College (PTC) campus in Quetta, which marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Pakistan security cooperation. The new campus is part of a four-year, $5.35 million partnership funded by the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Section, which aims to improve the quality of training for police recruits and officers in Balochistan.
According to Embassy of The United States of America, Ambassador Blome spoke about the expansion of the college’s capacity, noting that the seven new and four renovated buildings will triple the Police Training College’s capacity. This development ensures that new recruits and officers receive high-quality, skills-based training to prepare them for deployment in some of Pakistan’s most challenging areas. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy has scheduled the delivery of $900,000 worth of radio communication equipment and 35 mine detectors. The embassy has also recently provided $700,000 worth of vehicles and $195,000 worth of blast suppression equipment, which will significantly enhance operations and security across the province.
Ambassador Blome also emphasized the broader impact of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership in terms of security. Beyond this training center, the U.S. has supported Pakistan in securing its borders, combating narcotics trafficking, and fighting terrorism. The INL section has provided protective equipment, improved law enforcement training curriculum, and helped create gender-inclusive policing.
The ambassador highlighted the importance of recruiting more women into the police force, creating gender desks in police stations, and increasing facilities to serve women and underserved communities. He mentioned the inspiring story of Balochistan Police officer Zarghoona Manzoor, who joined the force after her husband was killed while serving in the Balochistan Police, and now leads Balochistan’s first women’s police station. He noted that PTC-Quetta’s new facilities for women police recruits would enable further progress in this direction.
Ambassador Blome concluded by acknowledging that U.S.-Pakistan cooperation extends beyond security. The INL section funded the solarization of seven of PTC Quetta’s buildings and the solar-powered lights on walkways and the campus boundary wall, reflecting broader efforts to promote clean energy and climate resilience under the U.S.-Pakistan Green Alliance Framework.
Ambassador Blome closed his remarks by reinforcing the commitment of the U.S. to support Pakistan’s efforts in trade, investment, clean energy, education, and climate change, all of which rely on a solid foundation of security and rule of law. He stated that the U.S. is proud of its partnership with Pakistan and will continue to work together to strengthen community policing and enhance the safety and security of Pakistani citizens.