ISLAMABAD: The federal government has started preparations to form a new security force to protect the country’s major water projects and energy facilities, which has been named “WAPDA Security Force”. According to government sources, this force will provide a special security structure for Pakistan’s important development projects in the future.
The increasing number of attacks on sensitive infrastructure in Pakistan in recent years has worried the authorities. Especially after the attacks on the Dasu Hydropower Project, the government decided to conclude that a separate and trained force for WAPDA projects has become indispensable.
Official sources say that the main objective of the proposed force is to protect dams, power stations, water supply projects and other important facilities from terrorism, sabotage and illegal interference. Along with this, the force will also provide special security to foreign experts, engineers and staff working on the projects.
According to officials, there are several major projects in Pakistan that are the backbone of the country’s economy and energy needs. The government believes that it is not possible to achieve development goals without strengthening the security of these projects.
Under the proposed law, the WAPDA Security Force will be established on modern lines. The force’s personnel will receive special training while also being given the ability to respond quickly in sensitive areas. According to sources, the force will have its own uniform, command system and operational procedures.
The government is trying to provide an effective security system to WAPDA projects on the model of the security model established for CPEC projects. For this purpose, the links between the army, local police, rangers and intelligence agencies will be further strengthened.
Economic experts say that Pakistan is currently facing severe energy challenges, while the construction of new dams is considered essential to increase water storage capacity. In such a situation, if security concerns persist, the confidence of foreign investors may be affected.
According to analysts, by establishing the new force, the government wants to give the impression that Pakistan is taking serious and long-term steps to secure its major development projects. Experts believe that strong security arrangements will not only ensure the timely completion of projects in the future but will also help improve the investment climate in the country.
