The federal government of Pakistan announced Monday it will create a dedicated Wapda Security Force to protect major water-sector infrastructure [1, 2].
The move is a response to a series of attacks on personnel and facilities, which has threatened the stability of critical energy projects. By establishing a specialized force, the government aims to reassure international partners and ensure the safety of the workforce required to complete these projects.
The initiative is driven by the need to safeguard workers, with a specific focus on Chinese engineers and laborers [1, 2]. Security concerns have intensified after previous attacks on personnel, most notably at the Dasu hydro-electric project [1, 2].
To formalize the creation of this unit, the government has introduced the Wapda Security Force Act, 2026 [1]. This legislation has been sent to Parliament for approval to provide the legal framework necessary for the force to operate across various water-sector sites throughout the country [1, 2].
The announcement was issued from Islamabad on May 25, 2026 [2]. The new force will be tasked with providing dedicated security for both the physical infrastructure of the water projects and the people working on them [1, 2].
Government officials said the force is necessary to prevent further disruptions to the water sector. The focus on Chinese personnel reflects the high level of foreign investment and technical expertise integrated into Pakistan's current infrastructure goals, a partnership that requires a secure environment to remain viable [1, 2].
“The government aims to reassure international partners and ensure the safety of the workforce.”
The creation of the Wapda Security Force signals that Pakistan views the security of its water-sector infrastructure as a matter of national security rather than simple site management. By specifically targeting the protection of Chinese nationals, the government is attempting to mitigate the diplomatic and economic risks associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and similar ventures, where instability can lead to the withdrawal of foreign expertise.
