19 February 2004	Thursday	27 Zilhaj 1424

KARACHI, Feb 18: The US AID Mission in Iraq is exploring the possibility of engaging 330 ex-servicemen from Pakistan in security jobs for the next three years. The job contract involves a payment of more than 150 million dollars (over Rs9 billion) to all the ex-servicemen to be engaged.

The contractor shall provide the Mission Security Force a 24-hour protective cover as a deterrent against unauthorized, illegal, or potentially life-threatening activities directed towards its employees, visitors, and properties.

Apart from this payment, every ex-serviceman will be given a life insurance cover. The US AID Mission in Iraq has at present 75 personnel in Iraq but plans are in hand to increase this workforce in the next six to eight months.

The International Multi Groups of Companies based in Karachi is seeking the government's permission for recruitment of ex-servicemen for this job.