RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: Following the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, security agencies have been put on high alert against any attacks by foreign and local extremist groups on CPEC and other projects in Pakistan.

Terrorist groups such as East Turkmenistan Islamic Movement, which is active in the Xinjiang province of China, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) could be involved in subversive activities, said the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in a recent communiqué to the provincial governments.

The terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi could also be a part of the subversive designs hatched by hostile foreign agencies, according government sources.

Intelligence agency suggests mock exercise at CPEC and other project sites to enhance security in wake of Karachi attack

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has, however, claimed responsibility for the attack. The sources said the subversive design aimed at disrupting peace in Pakistan.

Public gatherings, processions and government installations could be the likely targets.

According to the IB, a majority of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan lacked knowledge about religious sensitivities of Pakistanis.

Therefore, it is feared that due to their ignorance they might inadvertently hurt the sentiments of the local population leading to any untoward incident.

It was suggested that Chinese diplomats should sensitise the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan about the religious sensitivities.

Unannounced and unprotected movement of Chinese nationals was another concern expressed by the intelligence agency that suggested to ask the Chinese workers to ensure timely sharing of information with the police about arrival or departure so that security escort may be arranged for them.

The intelligence agency also suggested carrying out a mock exercise and joint operation at CPEC and non-CPEC project sites to enhance security.

It also pointed out that some private security guards deputed at Chinese projects were either untrained or had insufficient weapons and ammunition.

Police personnel and private guards should be rotated on a periodical basis and long-term attachment should be avoided. Besides, monthly vetting of all security personnel should be ensured.

Chinese employees of private companies and their residences are without adequate security cover. Chinese nationals despite sensitisation do not follow the security SOPs and roam around cities which creates problems for the police to provide them security.

The IB also suggested to the government to take measures to improve the overall law and order situation instead of only concentrating on the security of the Chinese nationals.

It also asked the government not to allow daily wagers or temporary employees to mingle with the Chinese nationals freely. The local workers should be properly vetted before they start interaction with the Chinese workers.

The Chinese students visiting Pakistan on study visas may not be allowed to work or seek jobs as it will create complications and problems for the security agencies and police to keep a watch on them.

Security of Diplomatic Enclave tightened

Security in and around the Diplomatic Enclave was on Friday further tightened in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi.

Shortly after the Karachi incident, directives were issued from the office of the inspector general of police (IGP) Islamabad to the security wing to visit the Diplomatic Enclave housing scores of embassies and review its security and further strengthened it, a police officer said.

Teams of senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Security) Waqar Chohan visited the enclave and met officials of some of the embassies, including the security staff.

An hour-long inspection of the enclave, including its surrounding and nullahs, was carried out by the police.Well-equipped officials were deployed in and around the enclave besides enhancing patrolling in the area.

Moreover, the operation police were asked to check foreigners, especially Chinese nationals living in the capital.

The station house officers (SHOs) were directed to visit the foreigners living in their limits and brief them about the standard operating procedure (SOP) made for their security.

The SHOs were also asked to examine the surrounding of the residences of the foreigners and take necessary steps to ensure their security.

They were directed to comb the wooded areas, slums and nullahs in their areas.

After the search, necessary steps should be taken to counter the movement of any suspicious persons through the nullahs.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2018