Security of Dasu power project upped after KKH attack

MANSEHRA: The internal and external security of the Dasu Hydropower Project had been beefed up after the attack on a passenger bus on Karakoram Highway (KKH) near Chilas in which 10 people were killed earlier this month, an official said on Thursday.

“We have enhanced security of the Chinese nationals working on this mega energy project, and also established more posts in and outside of the project’s premises,” Dasu Hydropower Project General Manager Anwarul Haq told reporters.

He said though the security of Chinese engineers and workers executing the 4300-megawatts project was already up to the mark, it was further enhanced following an attack on the neighbouring Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan on December 2.

He said the security personnel were more vigilant to deal with any situation.The official said that the execution of the dam was well underway and a delegation from the World Bank also visited the dam sites recently and reviewed ongoing work.

“We could complete the first phase of this mega energy project at its stipulated period,” Anwarul Haq said. The Upper Kohistan police have also increased patrolling at Karakoram Highway and of development projects being executed by foreigners in the district.

District Police Officer Mohammad Khalid Khan visited the Shatial area of the district and reviewed the security arrangements made by police at Karakoram Highway and police posts.The Lower Kohistan police also enhanced its patrolling in KKH in the limits of Dubair and Jijal police stations.

“We have been allowing local and foreign passengers and workers following a complete security and bio-data check at Chakai police post at KKH,” said District Police Officer, Lower Kohistan, Jamil Akhtar.