RAWALPINDI: Police have decided to carry out a fresh security audit of Chinese nationals working on CPEC and non-CPEC projects in the Rawalpindi division to ensure foolproof security arrangements.

The directive was issued by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa while chairing the monthly meeting of the Regional Police Coordination Committee, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.

He said the meeting was held to promote institutional coordination, review the performance of all police units and districts at the regional level and assess the performance of the coordination committees formed at regional and district levels.

It also aimed to provide operational guidance to various police departments, further improve policing standards, maintain law and order across the region, conduct a security audit of Chinese nationals on CPEC and non-CPEC projects and implement protective measures for the monsoon season.

Participants at the regional office included CPO Rawalpindi Syed Khalid Hamdani, Regional Officer Special Branch Zunira Azfar, SP Safe City Shahid Siddique, Regional Officer Crime Control Department (CCD), SSPRIB/SP Legal Abdul Farooq, Regional Officer SPU Col (retd) Shahid and officers of other relevant units.

DPOs of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Murree and CTO Murree joined the meeting via video link.

The meeting emphasised further strengthening security, monitoring madrassas, and enhancing measures in light of the National Action Plan (Nap) to combat hate speech and extremism.

Security preparations for Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain were also discussed.

In addition, the formation of specific sub-committees — including those for intelligence, counter-terrorism, drug and smuggling control, and community policing — was also discussed.

Speaking on the occasion, RPO Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa said the security of Chinese nationals working on CPEC and non-CPEC projects must be made more foolproof through a comprehensive security audit.

He added that foolproof security arrangements should also be ensured during the Chehlum processions, and mutual coordination should be maintained across the region to avoid any untoward incidents.

Given the ongoing monsoon, and following directives from the Punjab government, Section 144 has been imposed to prohibit citizens from bathing in or approaching rivers, streams, and other hazardous water bodies.

Strict implementation of these orders should be ensured, police patrolling should be intensified at key locations, and, as per instructions of the IG Punjab, full participation in ongoing rescue and relief activities must be ensured to protect lives and property at all costs, the RPO said.

He further noted that the establishment of the Regional Police Coordination Committee (RPCC) has significantly enhanced inter-institutional coordination, which is vital for effective policing and law and order.

Future steps were also outlined based on the recommendations presented in the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2025