Enhanced national response to drug and smuggling trafficking in the maritime domain (Phase II)

August 27, 2024, Islamabad – An Interagency Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Analysis Training Course, including an introduction to the Skylight System, began today at the Marriott Hotel. The legal workshop is organized by UNODC Country Office Pakistan under the provisions of the project titled ‘Improved National Response against Drugs and Contraband Trafficking in the Maritime Domain (Phase II)’ – funded by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The beneficiaries of the project include Pakistan’s counternarcotics and maritime law enforcement agencies (MLEAs) such as the Anti Narcotics Force, Pakistan Customs, Pakistan Coast Guards and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency. The training was initiated by Mr. Raja Sharjeel Soomro – Programme Officer, INL Pakistan, along with Mr. Saqib Khan – UNODC Pakistan’s Programme Officer (Border Management), and Ms. Ayesha Niaz – Chief of Exports & Exemption, Federal Bureau of Revenue.

This MDA Analysis Basic Level Training is facilitated by UNODC GMCP International Trainers Mr. Graham Harrison and Mr. Tiago Zanella and is designed to familiarize maritime law enforcement officers from the four MLEAs with the patterns of marine life and maritime threats. The course also integrates terrestrial and satellite monitoring services of vessels in conjunction with terrestrial surveillance systems and informs about the limitations and vulnerabilities of the systems, such as the Skylight System – an online platform for monitoring ship activities that may not comply with various maritime regulations.