Improved security for Chinese engineers in Sindh

Police officials to boost patrolling, install CCTV cameras, enhance screening and set up explosive, metal detectors

HYDERABAD: Police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have prepared a comprehensive security plan for some 343 Chinese working on 31 different development projects in the districts of Hyderabad division.

The measures have been taken in light of threats to the Chinese nationals, especially from militants whose organisations have been banned by the Chinese government.

According to the plan, regular police patrolling around the sites where Chinese officials work, installation of CCTV cameras for exterior view and vehicle surveillance at entry points, concrete barriers, screening neighbours in addition to explosive and metal detection devices.

The plan was devised after a delegation of Chinese workers along with their private and government security officials met with the DIG Hyderabad Dr Sanaullah Abbassi on Thursday to inform the local administration about their apprehensions.

Currently, as many as 1,300 security officials guard Chinese workers and sites in Thatta, Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Matiari and Dadu districts where they are working including 772 private security guards, 294 Frontier Constabulary and 25 Rangers and 209 policemen along with a strong intelligence network. A liaison between the federal, provincial and district Foreigners Security Cell (FSC), which maintains their record of workplace and activities, also exists.

Despite the heavy security, Chinese workers in the area have faced a range of attacks from attempted murders to kidnapping.

Since 2011, seven FIRs have been lodged in Thatta's Jhimpir area where Chinese engineers have been working on windmill projects. The charges in those FIRs range from attempted murder, robbery, criminal assault and threats, among others.

Between May and October 2014, at least four kidnapping attempts on Chinese workers has been made in Hyderabad and Matiari districts. Three Chinese were also kidnapped from Sukkur in 2009 but prompt action of LEAs led to their early recovery.

"There have been organised attempts aimed against Chinese. But the LEAs are very vigilant. We keep reviewing and improving our standard operating procedures with a view to providing guidelines, establishing horizontal and vertical linkages among the security setup and a comprehensive security cover for them," the DIG said, adding that escort will also be provided to these workers.

They face threats from the Tehreek-i-Taliban-Pakistan, Jeay Sindh Muttahida Mahaz and Balochistan Liberation Army. Separately, threats also emanate from East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Islamic Jihad Uion, Abdullah Azam Brigade, 313 Brigade of al Qaeda, Islamic Mujahideen and Tarique Brigade. These groups have been banned in Pakistan on China's request.