Key Takeaways
- WAPDA Chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Saeed proposed a special security force.
- The force would operate exclusively within WAPDA project areas.
- Current security arrangements are deemed insufficient by the chairman.
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Saeed has called for a dedicated security force to protect its power projects, as reported in ProPakistani.
During a meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by MNA Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, Saeed highlighted the significant security challenges faced by WAPDA’s projects and the inadequacy of support from law enforcement agencies when needed.
The chairman stated that outsourcing security services has become increasingly expensive, making a dedicated force more practical. He emphasized that this proposed Security Force would operate only within the jurisdiction of WAPDA projects.
According to Saeed, while the existing WAPDA Act provides for watchmen, their current arrangement is insufficient to meet the authority’s security requirements. The chairman added that personnel for the proposed security force would be recruited from all provinces.
Saeed defended the need for this legislation, stating that it was necessary to ensure the safety and security of WAPDA installations. He noted that support from law enforcement agencies has not always been available when required, leading to a gap in protection.
The chairman further informed the committee that the proposed Security Force would be responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure such as power plants, dams, and transmission lines, which are vital for Pakistan’s energy sector.
While the exact details of the legislation have not yet been finalized, Saeed stressed the urgency of establishing a dedicated security force to address the ongoing security challenges faced by WAPDA projects.
