ISLAMABAD: A new law being considered in Islamabad could change how Wapda protects its dams and power stations across Pakistan. The move to allow a dedicated security force to stop and detain civilians near sensitive project sites under the proposed Wapda Security Force Act 2026 has already caused debate among members of parliament.
WAPDA Security Force Ordinance 2026 Actually suggests
The Standing Committee on Water Resources of the National Assembly was presented with the bill. Its main points are:
•Hydropower and irrigation projects will be guarded by a new armed unit, the Wapda Security Force (WSF).
•Anyone found within 1km of any Wapda installation could be arrested by staff.
•The powers were likened by Wapda Chairman retired General Muhammad Saeed to those already given to the Airports Security Force.
•Any arrests would be under the Criminal Procedure Code, and those detained would soon be handed over to the regular police.
Lawmakers are afraid of the Wapda Bill?
The Pakistan Peoples Party’s Javed Ali Shah and Saba Talpur took exception to the use of the word “force” for the new unit. They pointed to earlier rulings by the Supreme Court that had barred private security firms from using that word. Officials, who weren’t authorised to speak publicly, clarified that the court order was for private agencies, not state-run bodies like this proposed one.
Why this security force is needed by the government
The call for a separate Wapda security force comes after two deadly militant attacks on workers of the Dasu Hydropower Project in 2021 and 2024, in which several Chinese and Pakistani engineers were killed. Officials say that reliance on provincial police and CPEC security divisions has not been enough to safeguard the $6 billion project.
What This Means for Average People
This law is directly relevant for people living near dam sites such as Dasu, Tarbela or Mangla. Quick checklist for affected communities:
•Know the boundary markers of the Wapda projects in the neighbourhood.
•Always travel with a valid ID around restricted areas.
•“Contact local Wapda offices for notices of compensation or land pertaining to security zones.
•Check with the National Assembly for the final wording of the bill.
Conclusion
So far the Wapda Security Force Act 2026 is only a draft and may be amended by the parliament to dilute the powers of arrest before being passed. But until then, Pakistanis residing near power and water infrastructure will need to be on their guard, as this law could soon curtail their freedom of movement around these sites.
