Daily Times

According to a report published in newspapers, the operationalising of Special Security Division (SSD), announced for the protection of Chinese workers, has been held up due to differences between the civil-military leadership. With some Chinese investors and officials showing concern on the security situation, such an issue could potentially affect the timelines for the projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). More than one and a half year after the announcement, civilian and military leadership have still to agree to terms of reference (ToR) that would govern the working of the SSD. Although both civilian and military leaders agree that CPEC is vital for the country’s economic future, mutual ‘distrust’ is impeding cooperation between them on this critical venture.

Reports suggest that the government is not willing to ratify the ToR proposed by the army as the role envisaged by the military for the SSD is to advise, guide and ‘indirectly’ control the civilian law enforcement agencies in issues related to the security of CPEC projects. The government fears that such terms could expand military’s influence on law enforcement agencies at the cost of civilian administration’s authority. There is also the idea that the SSD has to be under the interior ministry’s command whereas the military has so far kept itself in the lead and intends to maintain that role.

Two wings of the SSD, north and south, are to be set up. As per the plans, the northern wing’s jurisdiction covers the area between the Khunjerab Pass on the Pakistan-China border and Rawalpindi, while the remaining stretch will be the southern wing’s responsibility. Though the army has established the SSD-North, government is reportedly holding back the executive and financial approval for the SSD-South. It is estimated that creation of a new wing could take about 12 to 18 months. This implies that even if the approval is given now, the SSD-South will not be functional by the end of 2017, which is the time when CPEC’s early harvest projects would be nearing completion.

Security is particularly problematic in the area that has to be secured by the SSD-South. The Frontier Works Organisation, which is engaged with road projects in Balochistan, has already lost 44 men, including 26 soldiers, in the province in security-related incidents. At present, there are close to 10,000 Chinese personnel working on different projects across the country. Their number is expected to grow as the implementation of CPEC projects picks up speed.

Both government and army should realise the negative impact such delays can have on the implementation of CPEC projects. Moreover, with Chinese investors also showing concerns, the implementation of the project could face indefinite delays.

Despite the importance of army for realisation of projects, the ToR for the governance of the SSD should not come at the expense of the powers of civilian law-enforcement agencies. While there is a need to resolve the matter at the earliest, no one party should dictate the terms. Rather it should be formulated abiding by the constitution of Pakistan.

Similarly, government should be more vigilant in this regard. With the next general elections in approximately one and a half years, its position could be affected — positively or negatively — by the completion of the project on time. Most importantly, completion of CPEC projects on time is imperative for the financial future of Pakistan, giving the country’s economy the much-needed boost it needs to alleviate its various domestic problems, and to make its mark as a strong regional player. *