RAWALPINDI, July 17: The US government has decided to launch a training programme for the Special Investigation Group (SIG), a newly formed force by Pakistan, to enhance its capabilities of handling a post-blast situation and to improve the security system of vital installations, it is learnt on Monday.

The decision was made by the US authorities at a recent meeting of the joint working group on counter-terrorism and law enforcement.

The SIG was formed in the Federal Investigation Agency with the help of the United States to combat terrorism and cyber crime. Its regional offices were established in provincial capitals.

The SIG personnel have already been trained in identifying and interrogating terrorists and investigating terrorist activities, bank frauds and informal money transactions.

A batch of 50 officers was imparted a three-month training by the US experts at FIA’s headquarters in Islamabad. The focus of the training was improving investigation skill.

Talking to Dawn, SIG deputy director Mirza Yasin said the SIG’s job was to hold joint investigation and share information with police regarding cases relating to terrorism.