Punjab to acquire 37 bulletproof vehicles for Chinese engineers

LAHORE: The Punjab government has sanctioned the procurement of 37 bulletproof vehicles to enhance the security of Chinese engineers and officials involved in various projects, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to details, the Punjab government has greenlit the acquisition of 11 bulletproof vehicles specifically designated for CPEC projects. Additionally, approval has been granted for the purchase of 23 vehicles intended for Chinese residents working on other projects within the province.

For the non-CPEC government projects, 12 bulletproof vehicles have been approved. Meanwhile, 11 bulletproof vehicles have been sanctioned for Chinese personnel working on private non-CPEC projects, and 3 bulletproof vehicles for permanent installations related to CPEC.

Furthermore, three bulletproof vehicles have been earmarked for permanent installations to bolster security arrangements. 

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Officials have confirmed that there are already 18 bulletproof vehicles in place to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens and an additional 16 bombproof vehicles are required for the 43 residential areas allocated for Chinese personnel. These measures come following a comprehensive security audit and assessment of the movement of Chinese citizens from January 1 to March 31.

The decision to allocate additional bulletproof vehicles underscores the Punjab government’s commitment to providing a secure environment for Chinese personnel involved in vital infrastructure projects across the province. 

These measures come in the wake of an attack on a convoy of Chinese nationals in Shangla district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 26, which killed five engineers and their Pakistani driver. The vehicle they were travelling in was attacked in the Bisham tehsil of Shangla district.