RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Monday sealed the offices of a Chinese construction company and its under-construction projects in the Eighteen housing project.

“The action was taken due to security risks identified at Plot No. F-006/B, Road 54 (Commercial), and Plot No. F-006/5 (Apartment),” said the RDA spokesperson.

He said the notices had been issued to Mr Li Xiaotao, Chief Executive Officer of China Gezhouba Construction and Management Services Private Limited, and Mr Tarek Hamdy, Chief Executive Officer of M/S Elite Estates Private Limited, regarding their projects in Eighteen housing society.

He explained that the residents complained that they were feeling insecure due to the ongoing construction by the foreign company.

Additionally, the Chinese construction company undertook these projects without notifying to the relevant security agencies, he said.

The RDA spokesperson stated that these measures have been taken in the national interest. The movement of Chinese residents within the private society has been restricted pending the issuance of a security NOC from the Punjab government.

This issue was also discussed in a recent meeting at the deputy commissioner office, Rawalpindi, where serious security concerns were raised by the government security offices about Chinese nationals moving without adhering to government security protocols.

RDA enforcement squad with the assistance of police from the Naseerabad police station conducted the operation.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2024