ISLAMABAD, March 20: US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson has lauded the “successful counter-terrorism partnership between Pakistan and the United Statesand noted that “there is no more important task in Pakistan today than to stop the scourge of terrorism”.

She was speaking at the graduation ceremony of the “VIP Protection Course” jointly organised by the US Department of State Diplomatic Security Service’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Programme and the Punjab Police College here on Thursday.

“A small group of misguided individuals must not be allowed to deter the moderate, mainstream majority from building the prosperous and democratic future they envision for Pakistan,” Ms Patterson remarked. “Our government shares the government of Pakistans goal to detect, deny, defeat, capture, and prosecute terrorists and their organisations.”

The ATA programme provides training, equipment and technology targeted to respond most effectively to the security situation in the host country, a press release said.

The ATA programme in Pakistan has been operating since 2003. The course emphasised the tactical aspects of dignitary protection. A US team and a previously trained Pakistani team acted as instructors.

“You brave men face more of a threat here than your counterparts in almost any other country. We see examples every day of police and security forces of Pakistan sacrificing their lives to prevent suicide bombings and other attacks,” the ambassador observed.

She complimented the “dedicated and courageous front-line officers” for their determination in volunteering for the course.

She commended the role of the Ministry of Interior and Pakistan law-enforcement authorities noting that the training would not have been successful “without their full partnership, logistical assistance and encouragement”.

Twenty-three participants received certificates of graduation for completing a three-week intensive VIP protection course concentrating on skills needed to protect national leaders and key facilities from attack.