Pakistan has deployed over 1,500 police personnel to ensure the security of Chinese professionals working on different projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 5, 2023 11:11 IST
The Pakistan government’s move came in apprehension of local terror attacks in the region. (Representative image)
By India Today World Desk: More than 1,500 police personnel from Pakistan’s Special Security Unit (SSU) have been deployed to provide security to Chinese professionals working on different development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, The News International reported, citing officials.
Along with SSU, several district police personnel and members of the Elite Force and Frontier Reserve Police have also been deputed in the northwestern province of Pakistan.
Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan confirmed the development at a function at China Window in Peshawar. Khan said he has already visited some of these projects to carry out an inspection of the security after assuming charge as IG, The News International reported.
“Adequate security has been provided to the Chinese projects in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As many as 1,500 policemen of the SSU along with other cops from district police, Elite Force and FRP are providing them with security in KP,” The News International quoted Akhtar Hayat Khan as saying.
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Akhtar Hayat Khan has stated that individuals who play a critical role in the development of both the province and Pakistan will be provided with security. Additionally, he has announced the formation of a special security unit within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police to protect foreign individuals, which has recently been upgraded.
The police chief has also revealed that there were 495 terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last year and that the Counter-Terrorism Department has been reformed and activated in the former tribal districts to combat terrorism and reestablish peace, according to a report by The News International. In February, Rana Sanaullah, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, made a commitment to provide flawless security for Chinese nationals in Gwadar, according to The Balochistan Post.
“All locals and foreign nationals would be provided foolproof security,” Sanaullah said while reviewing the security arrangements.
During his visit to Gwadar, Rana Sanaullah inspected the security arrangements for Chinese nationals and was briefed on the law and order situation in Gwadar and Mekran.
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According to The Balochistan Post, Sanaullah revealed that one percent of all CPEC projects are reserved for security purposes. This visit follows Pakistan’s directive for Chinese nationals to enlist private security firms for protection after a mosque explosion occurred at Peshawar’s Police Lines.
The Punjab Home Department has instructed Chinese nationals residing in the province or working for private firms to secure the services of A-category private security companies for their safety.
