ISLAMABAD, Oct 9: The Dutch government will contribute $2 million for strengthening rule of law programme in Malakand division launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In this regard, The Netherlands government and UNDP signed an agreement here on Tuesday. UNDP had financed the first preparatory phase of the programme, while for the second phase the Dutch government agreed to allocate $2 million.

The objectives of the programme are to improve access to justice and legal aid; improved informal justice mechanisms; strengthened functioning of the judiciary and improved criminal investigation and prosecution.

The programme will geographically focus on seven districts of Malakand Division including Swat, Malakand, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Buner, Shangla and Chitral.

The agreement signing ceremony was attended by The Netherlands ambassador H.G. Scheltema and acting UNDP country director Jean-Luc Stalon.