Govt plans Wapda security force for water projects

The force is being created through the Wapda Security Force Act, 2026, which has already been forwarded to parliament. “The Wapda Security Force is being constituted to ensure the protection and security of critical infrastructure managed by the Water and Power Deve­lopment Authority,” reads the statement of objects and reasons. The decision to create a standalone force follows two terrorist attacks on engineers and workers of the over $6 billion Dasu Hydropower Project in November 2021 and March 2024, in which several Chinese and Pakistani workers were killed. Initially, CPEC-related security was extended to the Dasu project. An official explained that two special security divisions of the Pakistan Army (North and South) provided security to CPEC projects in Balochistan and along the route up to Gilgit-Baltistan, but Wapda projects did not fall under the CPEC security arrangement. He said a special arrangement was therefore needed, adding that Wapda’s entire security system was being revamped. The official recalled that an attack on Dasu project staff and the resultant loss of lives led to the suspension of the project by the Chinese side for well over a year. Work later resumed after top-level government engagement and payment of compensation, despite cost escalations and delays. A CPEC-like security arrangement was later extended to other projects involving Chinese workers through a major outer security cover provided by the Pakistan Army, in addition to Wapda’s internal security, local police and Rangers or Frontier Constabulary in other provinces. Following cons