The Ministry of Interior has said in a statement that a security guard in a factory in Karachi Attacks After the incident in which two Chinese nationals were injured Pakistan And China have agreed to develop a joint security strategy on Thursday.
A large number of Chinese nationals are working in various projects in Pakistan but there is no official statement about their exact number.
Mainly in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a multi-billion dollar energy, infrastructure development and regional connectivity project.
Attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan have increased in recent years.
A suicide bomb blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in March 2024 killed five Chinese engineers.
In October, two other Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion near Karachi’s airport.
The latest shooting incident occurred earlier this week when a Pakistani security guard opened fire at a factory in Karachi, injuring two Chinese workers.
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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong to discuss the situation and Pakistan’s response to the growing security threats facing Chinese citizens.
In a statement issued by his office after the meeting, he said, “We fully agree with China’s vision of integrating development and security.”
“Ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens and projects is our top priority. Those involved in the incident will be brought to justice.
The interior ministry said the two authorities had ‘agreed to develop a joint strategy to prevent such incidents in the future.’
Ambassador Jiang also stressed the need for a peaceful environment for ongoing bilateral cooperation and expressed his country’s willingness to strengthen bilateral security ties.
He said that ‘China is ready to increase bilateral security cooperation and increase the capacity of Pakistani institutions.’
Attacks on Chinese citizens have strained bilateral relations between the two states, with the Chinese ambassador earlier publicly calling such incidents ‘unacceptable’.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on Wednesday and expressed his condolences to the families of the Chinese citizens who were injured in the recent firing incident.
Pakistan and China have been discussing upgrading the CPEC in recent months, hoping to usher in another phase that will see increased business ties and more Chinese investment in the country.
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**Interview with Dr. Aisha Malik, Security Analyst and Expert on Pakistan-China Relations**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Malik. Recent incidents, including the shooting of Chinese workers in Karachi, have raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in Pakistan, particularly Chinese citizens involved in projects like the CPEC. What are your thoughts on the government’s decision to increase security measures for Chinese projects?
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** Thank you for having me. The decision to enhance security for Chinese nationals is both necessary and overdue. The attacks on Chinese workers and the recent shooting incident show that the situation is dire, and the Pakistani government must take immediate and effective measures to protect foreign investments and workers.
**Interviewer:** Could you elaborate on the growing security threats faced by Chinese citizens in Pakistan?
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** Certainly. Over the years, we’ve observed a troubling trend of increased attacks on Chinese workers, particularly in connection with CPEC projects. These incidents not only endanger lives but can also jeopardize large-scale investment agreements. The suicide bomb blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed five Chinese engineers and the recent bombings near Karachi’s airport are stark reminders of the risks involved.
**Interviewer:** How might the joint security strategy between Pakistan and China impact the future of the CPEC and other investments?
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** A joint security strategy is pivotal. It sends a clear message that Pakistan is committed to protecting its international partners and their investments. This collaboration could help restore confidence among Chinese companies and encourage further investments. However, the effectiveness of this strategy will depend on practical implementations and the ongoing dedication to addressing the root causes of insecurity.
**Interviewer:** The Interior Minister spoke of aligning development and security in their discussions with the Chinese Ambassador. How important is this integration for the future of bilateral relations?
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** Integrating development with security is crucial for not only strengthening bilateral relations but also for sustainable progress in the region. As CPEC projects advance, ongoing security issues can lead to disruptions. A harmonized approach, where economic growth initiatives are supported by robust security frameworks, will help foster long-term stability and prosperity for both nations.
**Interviewer:** What can the Pakistani government do to ensure these security measures are effectively implemented?
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** The government needs to prioritize several areas: enhancing intelligence sharing, training security personnel specifically for the protection of foreign nationals, and increasing local community engagement to reduce hostility. Additionally, transparent communication about security steps can reassure both the foreign workers and their home governments.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Malik, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the safety of foreign nationals is crucial for the success of international projects in Pakistan.
**Dr. Aisha Malik:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. Ensuring security is the first step toward realizing the full potential of Pakistan’s partnerships and fostering long-lasting relations.
