March, 16 2005	Wednesday	5 Safar 1426

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ISLAMABAD, March 15: British High Commission on Tuesday donated forgery detection equipment worth Rs7.5 million to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to help fight human smuggling and illegal immigration.

British Immigration Minister Chris Mullin handed over the equipment to FIA Director-General Tariq Parvez at the agency’s headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mullin, who is on a two-day trip to Pakistan, said: “I am delighted to be able to preset this equipment today in yet another clear sign of the UK’s commitment to working with Pakistan on issues that affect us both. Forged documents and passports are used by those involved in organized crime to perpetuate illegal immigration and human smuggling.

“The real victims of these crimes are often the poor and underprivileged in our societies. This is just one way in which we are seeking to protect them.”

The British government will also provide training to Pakistani officials in the use and maintenance of the equipment.

According to the FIA, a forgery detection control room has been set up by the agency on the lines of the national forgery centre of the UK Immigration Service.

The equipment donated by the British government consists of a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC5000). This is a highly technical and advanced piece of forensic equipment.

In addition to this, the system has an advanced microscope with built-in video camera. This, in turn, is conjoined with a PC and a colour photo printer. The machine is able to compare and overlay images, and detect variances in ink and paper density to detect the standard and level of forgery employed by the modern day fraudster.

In addition to the VSC5000, the UK has donated flat bed light sources, transmitted light boxes and ultra-violet light equipment. The equipment will also be used at airports in Pakistan.