Govt forms new mechanism for foreigners' security

ISLAMABAD:

In the wake of the recent attacks against foreigners particularly Chinese in Pakistan, the federal government has devised a "comprehensive" framework to ensure security of foreign nations.

According to an official document, the government has decided to form separate foreigners' security cells at federal, provincial and district levels. The cell at the federal level will operate under the Federal Ministry of Interior. Apart from provincial cells for each of the four federating units, such cells will also be established for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), G-B and AJK.

District Foreigners Security Cells will also be set up at each district of the country.

For the protection of foreign nationals, the police, the Special Police Units (SPU), and the Special Security Unit (SSU) will perform security duties while the armed forces will also be called upon for the security of high-ranking foreign dignitaries.

According to the official document seen by The Express Tribune, government institutions sponsoring foreign nationals will appoint focal persons for security arrangements.

Security arrangements for tourists and foreign journalists will be the responsibility of the Tourism Department. The Tourism Department will also oversee the security of foreign diplomats, tourists, journalists, students, athletes, and religious pilgrims.