Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan police have decided to strengthen security arrangements for Chinese nationals living and working in the region following a high-level meeting to review protective measures for foreign citizens involved in development projects and business activities.
The meeting was chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Akbar Nasir Khan at the Central Police Office in Gilgit, according to a statement issued by the GB police spokesperson.
Senior police officials reviewed security arrangements for Chinese nationals involved in projects outside the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), private mining ventures and other business activities, as well as those residing at different locations across the region.
What Security Measures Have Been Ordered?
The meeting reviewed Special Protection Unit (SPU) deployments, security directives and protective arrangements at check posts and key entry points. Officials stressed the need for better coordination, advance notification, verification and security checks for the movement of Chinese nationals across Gilgit, Skardu, Diamer and other areas.
IGP Akbar Nasir Khan ordered fresh threat assessments at the district level, identification of security requirements and the removal of existing gaps within a specified timeframe.
He also directed police to implement security procedures issued by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), re-verify residential no-objection certificates (NOCs), conduct security audits of approved locations and maintain comprehensive district-level records.
Police to Enforce Security and Verification Procedures
The IGP instructed officials to ensure compliance with NOC conditions and legal requirements, including valid driving licences. He also called for monitoring the movements of foreign nationals, particularly during nighttime.
The meeting was attended by senior officers, including the DIG Headquarters, DIG Gilgit Range, assistant inspectors general of Special Branch, Operations and Development, the SSP SPU and sub-divisional police officers from Gilgit district.
Khan warned that negligence in ensuring the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, would not be tolerated.