QUETTA: Security has been beefed up at the Iranian and Afghan consulates in Quetta, besides other important places here, in the wake of an armed attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. Heavy contingents of police and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed in the city.

A senior police officer told Dawn that an order for high security had been issued after the Karachi incident.

Meanwhile, the authorities in Gwadar said that the security of the port and other CPEC-related projects had been enhanced, and strict checks put in place at the town’s entry and exit routes.

Balochistan cabinet expresses concern over Karachi attack

The security of Chinese persons working at Gwadar port and projects in the town has been increased through the deployment of more security personnel. “A heavy contingent of security forces have been posted in and around Gwadar port,” a senior official of the Gwadar police said.

An official of the Saindak copper-and-gold project explained that after Friday’s incident in Karachi, the security of the Saindak project and the Dhodar zinc and lead project in Lasbela district has also been fortified. The Balochistan Frontier Corps is responsible for providing security to both these projects.

Patrols by security personnel have also been increased in Quetta, Gwadar, Dhodar and other areas where Chinese companies are working on various CPEC projects.

Meanwhile, the Balochistan cabinet in its meeting expressed serious concern over the Karachi incident and assured full protection to Chinese companies and their staff working in the province.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2018