ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN, AUGUST 4 – The Government of Pakistan, via the Ministry of Interior and the Frontier Constabulary, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the U.S. Embassy on worth $2.7 million in security and communications equipment, as well as increased capacity for frontier post reconstruction.The MOU, managed by the Embassy’s Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS), falls under the Letter of Agreement to bolster border security and security forces, says a U.S. Embassy in Islamabad statement.The MOU will promote the Government of Pakistan’s own efforts to enhance Frontier Constabulary capacity by raising an additional 50 platoons to protect the 286 km frontier region border.In a coordinated move to support security forces, the MOU follows commitments from the U.S. Government last fall to provide US $30 million in supplemental funds to fight counter narcotics and enhance border security.More than $15 million of this assistance is dedicated to delivering communications, transport and security equipment to the NWFP and Baloch Frontier Corps, which the Ministry of Interior also manages.A large portion of this equipment will be delivered to the Frontier Corps by the end of this year.In addition to this assistance, the U.S. Department of Justice ICITAP programme is in discussions with the Frontier Constabulary to begin improvements to its training capacity by providing updated technological and communications equipment to two training centers in Shabqadar and SWAT.ICITAP will also provide trainers to Constabulary leadership to develop curriculum and assist them in training the new recruits as well as updating the capacity of existing personnel.U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan C. Crocker, Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Frontier Constabulary Commandant Navid Malik Khan participated in the MOU signing ceremony.“We are pleased to be able to assist the Frontier Constabulary with its law enforcement efforts,” said Crocker.“We have a strong relationship with the Ministry of Interior and all of its other law enforcement agencies. We expect to develop a close and long-term relationship with the Constabulary and will continue to assist their fort and post reconstruction efforts in the frontier regions.”--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/380673