ISLAMABAD: In a significant step to improve the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced the formation of a special protection unit in Islamabad. This move comes in response to concerns over multiple attacks targeting Chinese citizens in recent years.
Naqvi made the announcement during a meeting with China's Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, in Beijing. The two leaders discussed strengthening security cooperation between Pakistan and China, with a focus on countering terrorism and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals involved in various projects in Pakistan.
The meeting, held at the headquarters of China’s Ministry of Public Security, highlighted the need for an enhanced joint response system to deal with terrorism. Both ministers agreed to expand training programs for police and security personnel to build greater capacity and improve operational efficiency. They also stressed the importance of sharing information between their respective police forces to ensure quick and effective responses to security challenges.
Xiaohong praised Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and acknowledged the country’s sacrifices in the fight against extremism. He expressed satisfaction with the measures taken to safeguard Chinese citizens and their projects in Pakistan.
Naqvi, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Chinese nationals, said that the security of Chinese citizens and the success of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects were top priorities. He confirmed that a dedicated special protection unit would soon be operational in Islamabad to address the security concerns of the Chinese community in Pakistan.
Security concerns surrounding Chinese nationals have been a growing issue, with numerous incidents reported over the past few years. As of December 2024, attacks on Chinese citizens in Pakistan had led to the deaths of at least 20 individuals and injuries to 34 others. The most recent attacks included the shooting of two Chinese nationals by a security guard in Karachi and a deadly bombing at Karachi airport in October, which killed two Chinese engineers.
In response to these threats, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also prioritized the protection of Chinese nationals, stressing the importance of a secure and conducive environment for Chinese businesses in Pakistan. This aligns with efforts to boost investor confidence in the country, especially in the context of CPEC’s expansion.
By strengthening security measures, Pakistan aims to foster a safer environment for Chinese nationals and promote greater cooperation between the two nations in combating terrorism and improving economic ties.
