The federal cabinet, in response to security concerns, greenlit the deployment of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Azad Kashmir to safeguard Chinese nationals and vital power facilities, according to sources.
Initially slated for a three-month stint, the FC’s deployment aims to uphold law and order in the region. The impetus for this move stemmed from a request by the Azad Kashmir government, seeking additional support to bolster local police efforts in maintaining peace.
Tasked with ensuring comprehensive security, the FC’s primary responsibility encompasses the protection of Chinese citizens and critical installations, including the Neelum-Jhelum, Mangla, and Gul Pur power stations. Approximately six platoons of the FC are set to be stationed in Azad Kashmir to fulfill this mandate.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cognizant of recent security challenges, directed security agencies to implement robust measures to safeguard Chinese nationals engaged in various projects across Pakistan. Emphasizing personal oversight, he pledged to review security meetings, with a particular focus on ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens.
These directives come in the wake of a tragic terrorist attack in Shangla district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Here, a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of foreign nationals en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu. The attack resulted in the devastating loss of five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, according to the District Inspector General of Malakand.
The approval of FC deployment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing security measures, particularly in regions hosting critical infrastructure and foreign personnel. By augmenting law enforcement capabilities, authorities aim to mitigate risks and bolster confidence among both local and international stakeholders.
