Improving security apparatus at three major airports: Japan extends Rs 2.1 billion grant to Pakistan

The Government of Japan has extended a grant of Rs 2.1 billion to Pakistan for improving security apparatus at three major international airports by installing state-of-the-art scanning system. The official notes for the grant were exchanged here on Thursday, where Nargis Sethi, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, and Hiroshi Inomata, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, signed them on behalf of their respective governments.
The grant will be utilised for installation of high tech explosives, vehicles and cargo scanning systems at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports. The security equipment includes 14 arms and explosive detectors‚ three vehicles and as many cargo scanners.
This will contribute significantly to counter terrorism efforts of the Government. Secretary, Economic Affairs Division, while appreciating the Japanese government support expressed the government's resolve to further strengthen development co-operation between the two countries.
Government of Japan is an important bilateral development partner of Pakistan providing loan/assistance in irrigation, roads and power distribution sectors. Japan also extends grant assistance for social sector development, besides technical co-operation which covers provision of Japanese experts, equipment and trainings.
The Secretary EAD said that Japan was an important bilateral development partner of Pakistan. She said that the present government was committed to take all necessary measures for improving security situation and praised the Japanese support in this regards.
The Secretary EAD expressed the confidence that installation of explosives detection as well as vehicles and cargo scanning systems at Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad airports would contribute significantly towards making these airports more safe and secure. The signing ceremony was attended by Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, Chief Representative JICA Pakistan and representative of the Aviation Division.