Pakistan Army to establish HQ in Diamer district to ensure CPEC security

Separately, convoy issue taken up with Kohistan DC

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government has decided to allocate a substantial piece of land to Pakistan Army in Diamer district so it can set up headquarters and ensure security for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The site is situated in Thak Das, a barren piece of land near Chilas, where a brigade will be stationed.



Speaking to The Express Tribune, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Usman Ahmad said, “The army will make its headquarters in Thak Das; this will help provide security to CPEC installations.”

Another official told The Express Tribune the army will soon take over the land formally and start work immediately so it can assume responsibilities.

Convoy issue

Referring to reports that Kohistan police continues to force passenger buses to travel in convoys on Karakoram Highway, Diamer DC Usman said the issue has been discussed with the Kohistan DC and will be addressed at the earliest.



The boundary issue was also discussed to avoid violence between people of Thore Valley in Diamer and Harban in Kohistan. Both sides have taken to protesting and stopping construction work along KKH as each claims rights over land near Basri check post.

In addition to officials, five jirga members from each side attended the meeting and decided to continue negotiations to avoid bloodshed and extend ceasefire that was reached last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 18^th,  2016.