RAWALPINDI: Federal Investigation Agency’s Director General Ahmad Ishaque Jhangir said that terrorist organisations and extremist actors were continuously improving their techniques for manufacturing and deploying lethal weapons, making Project Watchmaker, which is led by Interpol, a crucial instrument in preventing these threats.

This was stated by DG FIA while addressing the participants of the 1st Working Group Meeting for Project Watchmaker in Pakistan, organised by Interpol, held in Islamabad from October 29-31, 2024.

Strengthening national coordination against the rising threat of chemical and explosive attacks was the goal of the meeting.

Director General FIA, outlined the critical role of collaboration and technology in countering non-state actors who exploit chemical and explosive vulnerabilities to create widespread harm.

He stressed that terrorist groups and extremist actors are continuously advancing their methods to manufacture and deploy dangerous weapons, which makes the I Interpol -led Project Watchmaker an essential tool in thwarting these threats.

FIA spokesman said in a press release that this was the 1st Working Group Meeting for Project Watchmaker in Pakistan, organised by Interpol.

This meeting brought together officers from Pakistan’s provincial police forces, Counter-Terrorism Departments (CTD), the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), and the National Forensic Agency. The meeting was aimed to strengthen national coordination against the rising threat of chemical and explosive attacks.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Alan Grimmer, Unit Coordinator of Interpol’s CBRNE/CMX.

He emphasised the importance of international collaboration in combating growing threats.

The meeting focused on strengthening the knowledge and application of Interpol’s specialised databases, data management, and search tools tailored for chemical and explosive cases, as well as Interpol’s data exchange systems for bomb-makers, chemicals, and explosives.

Key speakers included Mr Alan Grimmer, Lasha Giorgidze, Specialized Officer at Interpol, and Scott Watson, Criminal Intelligence Analyst at Interpol.

Director General FIA, Ahmad Ishaque Jehangir, also addressed the participants and outlined the critical role of collaboration and technology in countering non-state actors who exploit chemical and explosive vulnerabilities to create widespread harm.

He stressed that terrorist groups and extremist actors are continuously advancing their methods to manufacture and deploy dangerous weapons, which makes the Interpol -led Project Watchmaker an essential tool in thwarting these threats.

DG FIA highlighted the central role of NCB- Interpol, Islamabad, in providing timely intelligence, supporting investigations, and equipping local law enforcement agencies with the necessary resources to combat terrorism.

He expressed his gratitude to the officers from provincial police forces, Nacta, and the National Forensic Science Agency for their active participation. Special recognition was given to the FIA’s Counter-Terrorism Wing (CTW) for their relentless efforts and exceptional expertise in handling complex terrorism cases.

The meeting concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, where DG FIA presented certificates to participants in recognition of their contributions. A ceremonial exchange of souvenirs was also held afterward, symbolizing the collaborative spirit and commitments for law enforcement.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2024