Pakistan for building states capacity to combat terrorism

Pakistan in a meeting of the Advisory Board of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) highlighted the need for capacity building of states as part of United Nations' counter-terrorism efforts, said an official press release on Tuesday. The Ambassador of Pakistan to UN, Masood Khan said, "Our efforts would make a difference on the ground only when capacity building needs of states are met. " Pakistani Ambassador also appreciated the contribution of USD 100 million for UN's counter terrorism projects by Saudi Arabia. He said that it helps address the funding deficit adding, "This raises our hopes and ambitions in many areas." The UNCCT, based at the UN Headquarters in New York and operating under the UN Secretary-General was launched in 2011 with the help of a voluntary contribution from the Saudi government. The Centre contributes to the implementation of the 2006 UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and engages with over 30 entities with expertise on a wide range of counter-terrorism related subjects. "The focus of projects is essentially on promoting consensus and international cooperation. We are glad that instead of initiating grand plans, doable and action-oriented projects in the area of capacity building figure prominently in the next year's program of work,"he said. The Pakistani envoy expressed hope that potential area of disagreement like developing a common approach on security and development would be addressed to the satisfaction of all concerned.