Security force for CPEC projects established

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning Development and Reforms on Friday was informed that a security force has been established to protect the projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the country.

It was informed that as many as 9000 permanent army men while 6000 temporary civilians were being employed in the security force for CPEC projects.

One percent of total project cost would be allocated for the security purposes in order to ensure fool proof security for the projects, Project Director CPEC Zahir Shah informed the committee.

The meeting of the committee was held here under the chairmanship of Senator Tahir Hussain Mashhadi while it was attended among others by Senators Usman Khan Kakar and Muhammad Mohsin Leghari.

Senator Usman Khan pointed out that the in armed forces there was less representation of the Balochistan province while Punjab would again take benefit as maximum number of security employees would come from Punjab province.

Regarding Railway rout Usman Kakar said that the Eastern rout was 900 kilometers more lengthy than that of the Western rout but despite this fact the government was giving more priority to the Eastern rout.

Chairman of the committee raised the point that why the government was wasting money on costlier routs as it could embark upon the short and relatively cheaper routs.

He said the CPEC had become an example of Pak China long lived friendship and urged that the fruits of CPEC projects should be provided to all areas of the country without any discrimination.

He said that along the CPEC routs besides establishing industrial zones projects for the welfare of the people should also be initiated.

He also urged that corruption in these projects must be checked in order to ensure the implantation of the projects transparently.

The committee was also briefed on the current status of CASA 1000 power projects.