The Pakistani federal government will bear the additional cost of providing security to personnel of foreign and local companies executing development schemes in Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, local newspaper Daily Times quoted a senior government official as saying on Sunday.

The government has directed the companies to include estimates for security in their project costs. These costs will be borne by the ministry concerned in cases where the government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the company.

The companies have been asked to work out detailed security plans in consultation with the Frontier Corps, which will provide security cover itself or through established security companies.

Companies operating in Balochistan have made repeated demands on law enforcement agencies for provision of security in their areas of operation.

The official said that this has stretched the capacity of law enforcement agencies in the province and affected their efficiency.

Several companies are delaying work or leaving the province because of security concerns, he said.

At recent meetings at the Pakistani Planning Commission, ministries and executing agencies have said that development schemes could not be completed swiftly in the province due to the government's failure to provide efficient security.

Source: Xinhua