PESHAWAR: US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer visited Peshawar on Monday and Tuesday and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to border security and continued support for Pakistan in the fight against cross-border infiltration and militancy in the province.

He met Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat and delivered $350,000 worth of safety and security equipment to enhance the safety and effectiveness of police forces conducting counter-terrorism operations, according to a statement issued by the US consulate.

It added that Ms Schofer also visited the Inspector General of Frontier Corps at the historic Fort Balahisar and announced a $250,000 programme to enhance the Frontier Corps’ nighttime operational capabilities.

In a roundtable discussion with youth, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, DCM Schofer learned how USAID’s $40.7 million Merged Areas Governance Programme for KP improves lives and livelihoods.

In direct response to community needs, he provided sewing machines and solar fans, said the US consulate.

“To bolster trade and economic ties between the United States and Pakistan, DCM Schofer engaged with local business leaders, including entrepreneurs and representatives of the KP Economic Zones Development and Management Company and the KP Information Technology Board. In addition, he made a stop at the National Incubation Centre where he met startup entrepreneurs to discuss their projects and listen to their ideas,” it said.

The US consulate said to reaffirm US support for religious freedom, tolerance, and respect for all of Pakistan’s faith traditions, the DCM concluded his trip at St. John’s Cathedral, an iconic house of worship.

It added that during a meeting, the DCM and Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters discussed how best to promote inter-faith harmony and inter-religious dialogue among diverse faith communities.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023