Govt plans dedicated Wapda Security Force for dams, Chinese-backed projects

The government has decided to establish a dedicated “Wapda Security Force” to provide security for major water infrastructure projects and personnel working on them, particularly Chinese nationals associated with hydropower schemes, according to a news report. 

The proposed force is being created through the Wapda Security Force Act, 2026, which has already been forwarded to parliament.

According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the draft law, the force is intended to protect critical infrastructure managed by the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda).

The decision follows two terrorist attacks on the over $6 billion Dasu Hydropower Project in November 2021 and March 2024, in which several Chinese and Pakistani engineers and workers were killed.

Officials said Wapda projects were not originally covered under the dedicated security arrangement established for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, prompting the need for a separate security mechanism.

Initially, security arrangements for Dasu were later extended under a CPEC-like model involving the Pakistan Army, local police, Rangers and Frontier Constabulary.

Following consultations with Chinese authorities, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed that projects involving Chinese nationals and other strategically important water sector schemes should receive security cover similar to CPEC projects.

Under the draft law, the Wapda Security Force will operate under a director general, likely from the armed forces, and will have its own uniform, insignia and official stamp.

The force will operate in notified areas across the country and will be responsible for protecting dams, powerhouses, machinery, equipment, offices, personnel and residential facilities associated with Wapda projects.

It will also provide security for personnel travelling to and from project sites in coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Officials said the force would work alongside Rangers, police and Frontier Constabulary depending on the province and project location. For example, it would provide security to the K-4 Greater Water Supply Scheme in Sindh in coordination with Rangers and local police.