MANSEHRA: On Friday, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Hazara Range, Nasir Mehmood Satti, visited the site of the Balakot hydropower project and assured Chinese engineers and workers of comprehensive security measures. Satti emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are committed to providing foolproof protection, enabling the workers to carry out their tasks without any security concerns.
During his visit, Satti, accompanied by District Police Officer (DPO) Shafiullah Khan Gandapur, held discussions with military officials regarding security strategies and relevant issues. Satti praised the contribution of Chinese nationals to Pakistan’s infrastructure development, particularly in addressing the country’s power shortages.
“You [Chinese engineers and workers] have been working diligently on energy projects from Mansehra to Kohistan, and your efforts are vital to Pakistan’s prosperity. We are fully prepared to take every necessary step to protect your lives,” Satti said.
The DIG further addressed the police officers assigned to protect the Chinese engineers, stressing zero tolerance for negligence and strict adherence to security protocols. He highlighted the importance of preventing unauthorized access to project sites and ensuring that the movement of Chinese personnel is well-regulated under enhanced security measures.
Additionally, Satti called for the strengthening of the existing multi-layered security system to avert any potential mishaps. The Chinese officials briefed the DIG about the progress on projects along the Kunhar River, noting that the 300-megawatt Balakot hydropower project in Kaghan Valley is the largest initiative by the Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization, with financial backing from the Chinese government.
In a separate incident, four people were critically injured during a clash between two rival groups over a marriage dispute in a tent village in Mansehra. The groups, who had settled along Abbottabad Road, threw stones and rocks at each other, leaving the four individuals hospitalized. Police have registered an FIR and are conducting raids to apprehend the assailants, who fled the scene. The residents of the Channia area, where the tent village is located, have demanded strict action against the perpetrators and those involved in criminal activities.
