In another dramatic turn of events post the dreadful suicide attack targeting Chinese nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, two additional Chinese firms have halted their work on vital hydropower projects in Pakistan. Serenity within the region has been shattered by the recent attacks, compelling these companies to prioritize the safety of their personnel, which includes both Chinese engineers and local Pakistani staff. The grim aftermath witnessed Power Construction Corporation of China cease civil operations at Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project, displacing over 2,000 workers. This cessation is not an isolated incident; companies have also paused their efforts at the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dam projects. These developments have ensued despite stringent security assurances provided to Chinese engineers working at the Mohmand Dam, who have fortunately expressed contentment with their current security situation, remaining active on-site.
The Dasu hydropower project, which lies around 300 km from Islamabad, has felt the impact deeply. This 4,320 MW project, backed by World Bank funding and the construction expertise of China Gezhouba, faced its second suicidal onslaught since 2021. About 1,000 Chinese engineers working on the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dams are now withholding their operations whilst the local support staff has been advised to stay home until the uncertain cloud of risk clears up. The contrast in fortunes is echoed by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, where despite the cessation of work by the Chinese workers, the local Frontier Works Organisation continues the project with approximately 6,000 locals.
Moving forward, the loss of life in these attacks has not only affected those directly involved but has resonated through the ranks of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a grand collaboration between China and Pakistan. The attacks have led to the Chinese government’s condemnation and demands for a stringent investigation, echoed by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for heightened security provisions. Despite the setback, there is some solace to be found in the local labor laws, which guarantee 50% salaries to the laid-off workers until their services are required once again. The broader picture remains focused on the betterment of economic ties and continued cooperation between China and Pakistan, with the hope that heightened security and stability will soon restore progress on these key infrastructure ventures. The targeted Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is still expected to meet its May 2026 completion target, underscoring the resilience and commitment to ensure the CPEC’s vision is not derailed by such acts of violence.