The Pakistani government’ extradited plan will see the formation of a standalone security force, known as ‘Wapda Security Force’, dedicated to ensuring safety and protection at significant water sector infrastructure projects across Pakistan. This decision follows recent attacks on workers from China involved in similar sectors.
The WAPDA is set to oversee dam sites, hydropower plants, reservoirs among others with the force aiming for comprehensive security coverage including dedicated protection of foreign engineers and labor members working across these projects. The new legislation – dubbed as ‘Wapda Security Force Act 2026’ – has already been forwarded to parliament where a vote is expected soon.
The Pakistani military will provide training for the force, with expertise shared from other successful security agencies within Pakistan. Special emphasis on securing Chinese nationals and workers due to heightened concerns following recent incidents of threats against them has been considered crucial by government officials in this move.