MANSEHRA: Clerics, youths and elders of different tribes of Kandia tehsil in Upper Kohistan on Thursday vowed to restrict the infiltration of miscreants from neighbouring restive areas to ensure the safety of Chinese engineers and workers executing energy projects in the district.

“The security of Chinese engineers and workers, who have been executing the country’s mega Dasu hydropower project, is paramount to us and you should never allow terrorists footprints on your soil,” Tahir Iqbal, the district police officer, Upper Kohistan, told a grand jirga held at the additional deputy commissioner’s office in Dasu, the district headquarters.

The jirga, which was held to ensure the foolproof security of the Chinese nationals, was also attended by the additional deputy commissioner Upper Kohistan, Mohammad Azhar Khan, officers of the security and law enforcement agencies, youths, clerics and elders of different tribes of Kandia tehsil.

The clerics and elders said that the locals would stand shoulder to shoulder with the law enforcement agencies to thwart any attempt made by terrorists to enter thedistrict.

The DPO said that terrorists had carried out suicide and terrorist activities in 2021 and 2023 at Karakoram Highway at Dasu and Besham respectively to target Chinese nationals, shatter the Pakistan-China friendship and sabotage mega energy projects.

“The terrorists had sneaked into our district through infrequent routes, which you have not only to plug but also extend your support to law enforcement agencies,” Mr Khan said.

He said that security of the Dasu dam and Karakoram Highway was mounted and all preventive measures were being put in place for the safety of the Chinese engineers and workers.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2026