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.
