Pakistan Orders Punishment for Negligence in Dam Site Attack
Pakistan’s head of government has directed the punishment of five senior police officials for negligence following a suicide bombing that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers at a major dam site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack led to the suspension of work on two dam projects by Power China and China Gezhouba Co.
Details of the Incident
The suicide bombing resulted in the deaths of five workers and a Pakistani driver, with the van they were in plunging into a ravine. The dam construction sites at Dasu and Diamer Bhasha, located approximately 100 kilometers apart, employ hundreds of Chinese workers.
Government Action
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar revealed that a committee appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif identified a regional official, three district officials, and the security director at the Dasu dam project for negligence in their duties. Immediate action has been ordered against these officials, with the prime minister overseeing the security of Chinese citizens personally.
Tarar emphasized that security matters concerning Chinese citizens will be taken seriously, and any lapses will not be tolerated. While Power China has resumed operations at Diamer Bhasha, work at China Gezhouba Group Co. in Dasu remains halted.
Security Concerns and Regional Relations
Pakistani authorities have detained over 12 individuals, including Afghans, in connection with the bombing. The incident underscores the importance of security for Chinese workers in Pakistan, a key concern for both countries given the history of attacks by militants opposed to foreign influence.
China is a significant ally of Pakistan, providing substantial financial support for infrastructure projects in the country. However, there have been longstanding grievances among Pakistanis regarding job opportunities and economic benefits from these projects.
Recent attacks, including the one at the Gwadar deepwater port, highlight the challenges faced in ensuring the safety of Chinese investments and personnel in Pakistan.