The Chinese firm working on the Dasu Hydropower Project has stopped work due to “security concerns” and laid off all but the most essential local workers, Pakistani media reported.
It is learnt that the China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) has intimated through a letter that due to the July 14 bus incident in which nine Chinese nationals were killed, the company cannot continue operations on the project.
The company stated that the laid off Pakistani employees will be paid salary and gratuity as per their contract.
Project Director Anwar-ul-Haq has confirmed that the Chinese firm has stopped work on the project, adding that it will restart work as soon as the security situation improves.
At least 12 people, including nine Chinese nationals working on the project were killed when a bus carrying them fell into a ravine following an explosion.
The federal government has launched an investigation into the tragic incident and a 15-member Chinese security team has also been involved in the probe.
