Ambassador of Japan condemns attack on ANF officials in Balochistan; condoles the loss of precious lives

Islamabad: Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the officials of the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) of Pakistan on July 18th in Mashkel district of Balochistan, which resulted in the martyrdom of two officials and caused critical injuries to others.

“I am deeply saddened and grieved over the loss of precious human lives in this act of terrorism in Balochistan and offer my sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have suffered injuries” said Ambassador Matsuda in his message of condolence here on Monday.

While appreciating the continuous efforts made by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) for preventing distribution of illegal drugs in Pakistan, Ambassador Matsuda paid glowing tributes to the martyred ANF personnel for sacrificing their lives and their contribution towards the realization of a greater cause of rooting-out the menace of illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Ambassador Matsuda said that controlling illicit drug trafficking is one of the major and challenging issues for the international community as it significantly damages the society and also provides financing to terrorist groups. The Government of Japan has continuously supported countries including Pakistan in their efforts to fight against this menace. In this regard, the Government of Japan has provided assistance worth USD 6.5million to ANF to strengthen border security against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime.

The Ambassador added that the Government of Japan has been also supporting various projects of counter-terrorism amounting to more than USD 137 million.

He assured that Japan will continue supporting Pakistan’s fight against illicit drug trafficking as well as terrorism in the future.