PESHAWAR, Jan 26: US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne W. Patterson handed over military equipment to Frontier Corps here on Monday.

High-ranking officials of the paramilitary force received military hardware and equipment from the US ambassador in a formal ceremony at the Frontier Corps Training Centre at Warsak. The equipment includes body armour and surveillance gadgetry.

Earlier, the ambassador was received by Frontier Corps Inspector General Maj-Gen Tariq Khan, said an official press release.

Speaking on the occasion the envoy lauded the role of Frontier Corps in fighting the global war on terror. She appreciated the sacrifices offered by FC in combating extremism.

She also complemented the Frontier Corps inspector general for the successes achieved by the paramilitary force in Bajuar and Mohmand agencies during the past few months.

The inspector general affirmed the commitment and resolve of FC in fighting insurgency in the tribal areas.

In her interaction, the ambassador pointed out that the US would support every effort to weed out terrorism and stressed the need for greater cooperation between the two countries to eradicate the mutual threats.

NUTRIENT BISCUITS: The US ambassador also handed over 32,400 packets of high nutrient biscuits to the Commission of Afghan Refugees for distribution among the families of internally displaced persons living at Kacha Ghari camp. The donation, made in collaboration with VITA, Pakistan Limited, a Lahore-based company, is intended to nutritionally supplement and benefit children aged three to seven.

Ms Patterson noted that early on in the crisis, the US government contributed over $10 million for immediate relief efforts, including support for international relief programmes. In addition, the US government has set aside approximately $10 million for redevelopment in Bajaur to assist IDPs as they return to their homes.

The ceremony was also attended by Lynne Tracy, Principal Officer of US Consulate; Edward Birgells, Director of Fata Development Programme, USAID Pakistan and Andrea Tracy, Emergency Disaster Response Coordinator for USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.