What happened?
Members of the National Assembly and the Senate have objected to a draft amendment that would create a Wapda Security Force (WSF) with the power to detain anyone within a one‑kilometre perimeter of the utility’s projects. The proposal, still under parliamentary review, would allow the force to make on‑the‑spot arrests for activities deemed threatening to Wapda infrastructure.
Why are lawmakers concerned?
Critics argue that the measure blurs the line between a utility agency and law‑enforcement, potentially eroding civil liberties and bypassing the criminal justice system. They warn that granting a state‑owned corporation such sweeping powers could set a dangerous precedent for other public bodies to seek similar authority.
Who could be impacted if the bill passes?
Residents, small‑scale vendors, and commuters living or working near Wapda’s power plants, transmission lines, or water projects could face arrest for actions that authorities label as “threats,” even if the conduct is non‑violent or unrelated to sabotage. The amendment would therefore affect communities across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan where Wapda’s network expands.
What are the next steps in the legislative process?
The amendment will be debated in the relevant parliamentary committees before a full vote in the house. Lawmakers have called for explicit safeguards, independent oversight mechanisms, and a clear definition of “threat” to ensure that any security role remains proportionate and accountable.