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May 29, 2026
Pakistan plans a dedicated Wapda Security Force to protect dams, hydropower projects, and Chinese workers across major infrastructure sites.
The federal government has decided to establish a dedicated Wapda Security Force to provide specialised protection for critical water infrastructure projects and associated personnel across Pakistan, particularly Chinese engineers and workers involved in major hydropower developments.
According to the proposed Wapda Security Force Act 2026, the new force will safeguard dams, power plants, project sites, offices, machinery, and residential facilities linked to the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda). The draft legislation has already been forwarded to parliament for approval.
The move follows growing security concerns surrounding strategic infrastructure projects, especially after two major terrorist attacks targeting Chinese and Pakistani personnel working on the over $6 billion Dasu Hydropower Project in November 2021 and March 2024.
The attacks resulted in multiple casualties and temporarily halted project activity, leading to delays, compensation negotiations, and cost escalations.
Officials said the new force is intended to create a more permanent and dedicated security structure for water sector projects that previously operated outside the original China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) security framework.
While special security divisions of the Pakistan Army currently protect many CPEC-related projects, Wapda installations required separate arrangements involving local police, Rangers, and Frontier Constabulary personnel.
According to government officials, the force will operate under federal supervision while remaining administratively controlled by Wapda. It will function in notified areas nationwide and coordinate closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to secure strategic infrastructure and personnel movement.
The proposed force will reportedly be headed by a director general, likely appointed from the armed forces, and will possess its own uniforms, insignia, and operational structure.
Its responsibilities will include protection against trespassing, sabotage, and encroachment near critical infrastructure installations.
Officials stated that the new security framework aligns with Pakistan’s broader commitment to ensuring stronger protection for Chinese nationals and strategic infrastructure projects amid continued regional security concerns. Following consultations with Chinese authorities, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly directed officials to extend CPEC-level security standards to all major national projects involving Chinese personnel.
The force is also expected to provide security support for projects such as the K-4 Greater Water Supply Scheme alongside existing provincial and federal security agencies. Officials noted that security requirements and force size would be determined based on operational needs.
The proposed legislation further states that members of the Wapda Security Force will fall under the Essential Services Act and will not be permitted to engage in other employment during service. The draft law additionally provides legal protections for officers acting in good faith while performing official duties.
Analysts believe the initiative reflects Pakistan’s increasing focus on securing strategic infrastructure projects as the country seeks to maintain investor confidence, protect foreign workers, and ensure continuity in major hydropower and development programmes critical to long-term economic stability.
