Pakistan to garrison gas field, relocate locals
Pakistan plans to set up a permanent military base and displace thousands of people to secure its main gas field, which had to be shut down this month after an attack by tribal separatists, officials said on Friday. Thousands of additional troops have been deployed at the Sui gas field in the southwestern province of Baluchistan since tribesmen attacked the plant with rockets on Jan. 11. Up to 15 people died in the attack and gas supplies had to be shut down for more than a week. “We have acquired 400 acres of land in Sui to set up a cantonment to ensure foolproof security for the field, which is one of the most vital national installations,” said a military spokesman, who asked not to be identified. Full Story