SAARC

Pakistan on Saturday proposed the idea of forming a Saarc police force on the pattern of the Interpol, DawnNews reported.

Addressing the Saarc interior ministers' conference, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said there should be a Saarc police force to facilitate information exchange in the South Asian region.

He further said that Saarc states should also work toward eradication of terrorism from the region.

The interior ministers' meeting, chaired by Rehman Malik, was underway in Islamabad.

The ministers are to focus on a 13-point agenda set for the meeting by the interior secretaries.

The agenda covers aspects like anti-terrorism measures, changes in immigration and visa laws, prevention of drug and human trafficking, maritime security and other issues.

Interior secretaries of the SAARC countries on Friday agreed on bolstering cooperation against terror, besides recommending the establishment of a networking system between the police chiefs of the member countries. On the third day of their talks here, ahead of a ministerial meet Saturday, the secretaries held detailed consultations on a range of issues, including the anti-terrorism campaign, modification in immigration laws, prevention of drug and human trafficking, relaxation in visa laws, maritime security and other matters of mutual interest, Online news agency reported.
Appreciating the suggestion from Pakistan on establishing an Institute of Criminology (IOC) for curbing crimes and enhancing police capabilities, the conference also agreed on setting up this institution.

The conference also approved the new methodology for improving and strengthening coordination among the police chiefs of SAARC member countries under which a networking system would be put in place.

The meeting also recommended that SAARC member countries further improve their border security management system.