Security measures tightened for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, to now travel with armoured vehicles

NEW DELHI: Movement restrictions have now been placed on Chinese nationals in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region, as per a report by Dawn. The KP government has mandated that Chinese citizens must travel accompanied by armoured vehicles while in the area.
This directive was announced by a senior police official during a meeting held on Wednesday. Tahir Ayub Khan, deputy inspector general of police in Hazara range said, "As we're adopting all possible measures for the safety of Chinese nationals, they shouldn't travel in the province without armoured vehicles in line with the government's directions”.
The meeting, convened to address security concerns for the Suki Kinari hydropower project in the Malkandi area of Kaghan Valley, brought together various stakeholders, including security personnel, Chinese engineers, and project managers.Discussions centered on the implementation of stringent security measures to safeguard the lives of individuals involved in critical infrastructure projects, as reported by Dawn.
During site inspections of the Suki Kinari and Balakot hydropower projects, DIG Tahir Ayub Khan reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining high-security standards. He highlighted plans to fortify residential colonies housing Chinese engineers and workers with boundary walls of at least eight feet in height, potentially reinforced with barbed wire for additional protection.
These enhanced security measures follow a recent incident where a convoy of Chinese engineers working on the Dasu hydropower project in Shangla district was targeted in a suicide attack, resulting in casualties. The attack had raised significant security concerns, prompting authorities to take steps to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of foreign nationals in Pakistan.
(With agency inputs)