Pakistan launches ‘Neighbourhood Watch Strategy’ to safeguard CPEC and protect crucial infrastructure projects in wake of growing regional instability.
The federal government has decided to enforce a strict “neighbourhood watch strategy” aimed at protecting China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects from potential insurgency threats.
During a recent session, the Cabinet Committee on Chinese Investment Projects (CCoCIP) stressed that implementing this strategy is crucial for preemptively countering terrorism against key infrastructure ventures.
The committee underscored the need to expand security measures beyond insurgents to also target facilitators of terrorism, and recommended involving Chinese companies in formulating and applying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance their effectiveness.
The meeting also defined the division of security roles: state-run agencies would be responsible for safeguarding CPEC projects, while the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control (MoINC) would handle the protection of non-CPEC sites and Chinese personnel working elsewhere in Pakistan. The Interior Ministry has been collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive SOP to maximize protection for Chinese nationals.
According to the report, the SOP includes a security classification framework for assessing security firms, with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) tasked with evaluating threat levels. Furthermore, a dedicated helpline has been launched to assist foreign nationals, including Chinese workers.
The committee emphasized that the SOPs must not only address security concerns but also project a positive image, ensuring that local communities feel supported rather than burdened by heightened security measures.
In addition to supervising the enforcement of these measures, the committee requested the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives to provide details on security-related funding in project budgets. It also stressed the need to digitize police communications to prevent sensitive data from being intercepted.
Related Posts
