ISLAMABAD: The US government will provide over $48.6 million to Pakistan for building law enforcement capability, fighting illicit narcotics and strengthening its criminal justice system.

In this regard the US Ambassador David Hale and Pakistan Economic Affairs Division Secretary Tariq Bajwa on Wednesday signed a one-year $48.6 million bilateral assistance agreement, said a statement issued by US Embassy.

Under the agreement, the US Department of State's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Bureau will provide support to Pakistan in these three sectors.

The United States signed the first such bilateral assistance agreement in 1982. Subsequent yearly agreements have supported the training of tens of thousands of police officers and prosecutors, construction of police stations, and provision of vehicles, equipment, and life-saving personal protective gear for law enforcement agents.

The new agreement will fund several programmes throughout Pakistan including initiatives to improve the capability and reach of provincial police and other law enforcement institutions through training, equipment, and infrastructure support.

“Programmes will also support women's access to the justice system, as well as support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women as police officers, prosecutors and judges,” read the statement.