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Pakistan seeks temporary protected status for its nationals in United States
WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (APP): Pakistan has formally asked the United States to consider grant of temporary protected status for its nationals currently living in the US without proper documentation in view of flooding devastation in the country, Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said. Kaira said Pakistan handed over a letter to the Homeland Security Department on the second day of Pakistan-US Strtegic Dialogue, requesting the grant of the temporary immigration status. The United States gives TPS to nationals of designated countries which face situations like environmental disasters or armed conflicts.The Homeland Security Department will look into the request.Briefing newsmen at the end of the day-long deliberations by various working groups, Kaira stated the Obama Administration has committed to step up efforts for a requisite Congressional legislation on allowing Reconstruction Opportunity Zones in Pakistan.
It was decided that a group of major American buyers of textile products will visit Pakistan to purchase Pakistani products, the Minister said.
The Information Minister also briefed journalists about the outcome of discussions by the working group on law enforcement coopertion. Secretary Interior Qamar Zaman Chaudhry led the Pakistani delegation at talks with his US counterparts.
As per decisions taken on Thursday, a joint border management working group will be formed to impart training to customs and FIA personnel and security forces assigned to borders, airports and intenational entry points. The training courses will be held in Dubai.
A workshop will be held on Novemebr 28 to help train personnel for mine clearing in conflict zones. Another workshop will be held in January 2011 in Islamabad under global sheild training program.
Besides, a $ 125 million program on buildig law enforcement capacity of Pakistani seucrity officials is already underway. Under the program the civil law enforcement personnel are being provided APCs (armored personnel carriers), night vision equipment, jackets, mine detectors and helmets.
To bolster counternarcotis efforts, it was decided that a special investigation cell would be created with $ 10 million, Karia said.
A training workshop will be held in Lahore in November on prosecution of narco criminals. In order to stem the flow of illicit financing in the face of terrorism challenges,the two sides decided to boost information sharing. In addition, training and equipment will be provided to Federal Investigtion Agency and counterterrorism wing officials.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk