Special Security Unit being set up for Chinese, foreigners

PESHAWAR: A Special Security Unit is being set up by mobilising 1,700 personnel for the security of foreigners working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the hydropower projects in Hazara, The News learnt on Friday.

A large number of Chinese engineers and other staff members are working on the CPEC and several projects in the Hazara division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.

“Despite the KP Police have already sent 8,000 cops for security during elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The force has deployed more personnel for the security of Chinese and other nationals in the last few days,” an official told The News.

He hoped the Special Security Unit would provide improved security to foreigners working and living in KP.

Security of foreigners has already been upgraded in Hazara and rest of the province and the country in the last few days.

All foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, were issued security advisory while police were directed to check if there are any loopholes in security in their respective areas. The cops were directed to check the CCTVs and other measures taken for security in the area.

Nine Chinese and four locals were killed when their bus plunged into a ravine in Dasu, Upper Kohistan district after an explosion on July 14.

Security officials paid several visits to the site of the incident in connection with investigations and address the security concerns of the foreigners working in the area.

Apart from the visits of Chinese ambassador and other security officials, the KP Police chief Moazzam Jan Ansari visited the spot thrice in over a week.

Besides a team of experts headed by the deputy inspector general of the Counter-Terrorism Department Javed Iqbal spent several days in Hazara to conduct investigation into the Dasu incident.

When approached, a senior police official confirmed that extensive visits were paid even during Eid holidays along with ensuring improved standard operating procedures and going for the area cleanup operations.

“Besides, police have launched detailed security procedures and ensured that all foreign nationals feel secure in KP and Pakistan,” said the official.