The federal government has decided to implement a strict “neighbourhood watch strategy” to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects from potential insurgent threats, The Express Tribune reported.
In a recent meeting, the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) emphasized the importance of this strategy as a proactive measure to prevent terrorism targeting these critical infrastructure developments.
The committee highlighted the need to broaden security efforts to include not only insurgents but also facilitators of terrorist activities. It also stressed that Chinese enterprises should be involved in the development and execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure their effectiveness.
The meeting further outlined the division of security responsibilities, with state-owned institutions tasked with protecting CPEC projects, while the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) is responsible for ensuring the safety of non-CPEC sites and Chinese nationals employed outside of CPEC areas. The Ministry of Interior has been working closely with various stakeholders to create a comprehensive SOP to provide optimal security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
According to the report, the SOP includes a security categorization matrix to assess and classify security companies, while the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) is responsible for threat level assessments. Additionally, a helpline has been established to assist foreign nationals, including Chinese workers.
The committee also emphasized that the SOPs should promote a positive image, balancing security concerns with efforts to make local communities feel supported and not burdened by security measures.
In addition to monitoring the implementation of these protocols, the committee requested details from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives on the funds allocated for security within project budgets to ensure proper usage. The importance of digitizing police communications to prevent sensitive information from being intercepted was also highlighted.
