CPEC protection strategy approved
The government has decided to strictly implement a "neighbourhood watch strategy" to prevent insurgents from disrupting the Pak-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) in a recent meeting has highlighted the importance of the neighbourhood watch strategy as a pre-emptive measure to counter terrorism.
The cabinet body stressed the need to approach the problem holistically by extending the area of operation to include the facilitators of terrorist activities.
It also directed that Chinese enterprises should be consulted in formulating and implementing SOPs for their effectiveness.
During the discussion, the cabinet body was informed that providing security for CPEC projects falls under the mandate of state-owned institutions, while the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) is responsible for the security of non-CPEC project sites and Chinese nationals employed there.
It was also informed the Interior Ministry had undertaken extensive deliberations with stakeholders to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the optimum level of security for Chinese nationals.
While outlining key elements of the SOP, the interior ministry informed the cabinet body that a security categorisation matrix had been developed to categorise the security companies.
It was further informed that threat level assessments are carried out by NACTA, and a helpline had also been established to facilitate foreigners, including Chinese nationals.
The cabinet body further observed that SOPs should be designed and implemented in a way that portrays a soft image. This means adopting a holistic approach to address security concerns, including awareness campaigns for the local communities hosting Chinese nationals, to ensure they feel facilitated rather than overwhelmed by security protocols.
Further, it was directed that implementation committees at the provincial and federal levels should regularly meet to ensure the SOPs are implemented in their entirety.
The cabinet body also sought details from the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives (MoPD&SI) regarding the amount earmarked for security arrangements out of the projects' budgets to evaluate whether the funds had been utilised for their intended purposes.
It also emphasised that police communication should be digitised to avoid interception of sensitive information by miscreants.
The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control briefed the forum that the "Security of Chinese Nationals in Pakistan" was discussed in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) held on 16 September 2024, wherein the Interior Division had been directed to submit a summary to the CCoCIP on the status of security arrangements after consultation with Chinese companies through the CPEC Secretariat for consideration of the CCoCIP.
It was stated that a consultative session was held on 3 August 2024, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control and the Deputy Head of the Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. Representatives of Special Economic Zones, Chinese companies, and representatives of CCoCIP were present in the meeting.
The participants discussed the current difficulties faced by Chinese businessmen in Pakistan. The Secretary of the Ministry of Interior & Narcotics Control stressed the importance of adherence to security SOPs issued by the Government of Pakistan. On behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the Secretary reaffirmed the assurance to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.
The Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) considered the summary submitted by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control titled "Status of Security Arrangements of Chinese Nationals in Pakistan." It directed that the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) shall, within one week, hold meetings with Chinese enterprises to apprise them of the measures taken for their security and obtain their feedback on the implementation and impact of the SOPs introduced by the Ministry.