Punjab Home Department Beefs Up Security Measures for Chinese Nationals
The Punjab Home Department has taken steps to ensure the
safety of Chinese nationals residing in or working with private companies in
the province. In light of the recent rise in terrorism incidents, the
department has directed Chinese nationals to hire private security companies of
A category for their protection.
On Thursday, the home department and police held a
meeting to review the security of Chinese nationals working on government and
private projects in the province. In 2014, the Special Protection Unit (SPU)
was established to provide security for foreigners working at national
projects. With over 3,829 officers and personnel and 2,552 attached personnel,
the SPU provides security to the 7,567 Chinese working at 31 projects in the
province and also those residing in 70 residences and 24 camps.
Due to the increased terror incidents in the country, the
security of Chinese officials working on government projects has been
strengthened further. The SPU is responsible for the security of Chinese
nationals working only on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other
government-related projects. Those Chinese nationals working with private
projects or visiting the country on their own have been directed to hire
security companies for their protection.
SPU DIG Agha Yousuf stated that hundreds of Chinese
nationals are working with private companies, and steps are being taken to
ensure their safety. The government has established standard operating
procedures (SOPs) for the Chinese nationals to follow and has directed them to
hire A category security companies.
While the government pays for the security of Chinese
nationals working on government projects, they are unable to deploy SPU
personnel everywhere, nor can they pay for the security of Chinese nationals
working with private companies. These individuals must hire their own security
and the home department will evaluate the security company.
In conclusion, the Punjab Home Department is taking the
necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the province,
while also encouraging them to take responsibility for their own protection by
hiring A category security companies. The government is determined to provide a
secure environment for all those working and residing in the province.
