Parliamentary body appreciates CPEC security

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Monday expressed its satisfaction and appreciated the high spirit, determination and preparedness of Special Security Division (SSD) and Maritime Security Force as well as Paramilitary and Police Force deployed to safeguard and protect personnel and projects of CPEC.

The committee met Monday under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed to discuss the security of CPEC projects and personnel with reference to role of newly formed Special Security Division (SSD) and Maritime Security Force and its role in security of Gwadar port.

Senior officers of the ministries of defence, interior and communication briefed the Committee in detail about formation, jurisdiction, working and challenges ahead for these newly created security agencies.

According to sources, it was informed that that a 15,000-strong force, comprising over 9000 regular soldiers of the Pakistan Army plus 6000 personnel of the paramilitary force would make the Special Security Division (SSD) that has been entrusted and fully operational with the duty of protection of Chinese personnel and projects under the CPEC.

Additionally, sources said the committee was told that Rs1.2 billion has been allocated for CPEC security in addition to the efforts of provincial governments, adding the cost of raising the SSD was Rs5 billion and it took a year to be raised.

The committee was informed that the SSD will have six security zones from Gilgit to Gwadar and it covered 34 projects. Under the plan, security would be given to 5-km radius of area of each of the CPEC projects.

The Interior Ministry will coordinate with home departments of the provinces in this regard. Sources said the Pakistan Navy has deployed its Maritime Security Forces for patrolling the coastline and security of Gwadar.

Talking to The News, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said the committee was completely satisfied with the state-of-art security arrangements for the CPEC, which is a pillar of Pakistan’s development and progress. “Protection of CPEC is Pakistan’s national security matter,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan, Dr Ibadullah, Isphanyar M Bhandara, Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, Alhaj Shahji Gul Afridi, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, MNAs, Senator Lt Gen (R) Salahuddin Tirmizi, Senator Shibli Faraz, and senior officers of ministries of defence, interior, planning, communication among others.