ISLAMABAD: The government has granted conditional approval to Mari Energies to conduct airborne field detection survey operations in various areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), including Waziristan, as well as in Balochistan.
The company has also been permitted to temporarily import an aircraft for conducting surveys at designated sites in the two provinces.
According to sources, Mari Energies has been issued a conditional no-objection certificate (NOC) for carrying out an airborne Strike Field Detection (SFD) survey in several areas, including Wali West, Waziristan and Karak Block in K-P, and Block-28, Hanna, Hanna South, Ziarat and Ziarat North Blocks in Balochistan.
The approval, however, comes with stringent security and operational conditions.
Mari Energies will be required to ensure that survey operations remain strictly confined to the areas mutually agreed upon with the authorities. The company will also be responsible for transportation, accommodation and other administrative arrangements for the survey team and will not seek reimbursement for such expenses.
The company must provide at least two weeks’ advance notice regarding the arrival of the aircraft and survey team. No photographic or survey equipment other than sensors and communication equipment required for the approved operation may be loaded onto the aircraft.
Strict Data Security Conditions
Mari Energies will have to furnish an undertaking that no survey data will be transmitted outside Pakistan without clearance from the Strategic Plans Division (SPD).
Each survey sortie will require clearance from the SPD team following an assessment of data acquired during the preceding sortie.
The company will also be required to permit a pre-inspection of the aircraft by an SPD team. Two SPD officers will remain onboard during each survey sortie for monitoring and coordination purposes.
The schedule of every sortie must be communicated to the SPD team at least 48 hours in advance for clearance.
Restrictions on Strategic Areas and Foreign Experts
In the event that strategic minerals are identified during the survey, the SPD will have priority rights, while Mari Energies will be required to provide space and access if the division intends to undertake any activity in the area.
Foreign experts associated with the project will only be permitted to visit the sites after obtaining the necessary security clearances.
The use or carrying of maps, GPS devices, survey equipment and other technical gadgets at project sites, other than equipment specifically required for the approved survey, has also been prohibited.
Flight Routes to Be Cleared
The routing and safe transit of each mission, from take-off to landing, will be planned in consultation with the Directorate of Air Traffic Services.
The survey team will not be permitted to visit or photograph any sensitive location or key point associated with vital defence installations.
Foreign nationals will also not be allowed to visit other areas without appropriate security cover. Local authorities will be responsible for ensuring their personal security, while host districts will make adequate arrangements for the safety of visiting personnel and guests.
The government has directed Mari Energies to comply with all conditions and requirements in letter and spirit and submit a certificate confirming observance of the prescribed security and operational measures.
Story by Zafar Bhutta
