Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties amid risingsecurity challenges, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced thecreation of a dedicated special protection unit in Islamabad exclusivelyfor safeguarding Chinese citizens. This declaration came during hishigh-level talks in Beijing with Chinese Minister of Public Security WangXiaohong, underscoring Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the safety ofits closest ally’s nationals working on vital projects across the country.
The three-and-a-half-hour meeting at China’s Ministry of Public Securityheadquarters focused on deepening cooperation in counterterrorism, policetraining, and internal security. Naqvi emphasised that protecting Chinesepersonnel and joint ventures remains Pakistan’s foremost priority,especially given the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor, which has seen investments exceeding sixty-five billion dollarssince its inception in 2015.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with existing measures butacknowledged the need for more robust mechanisms. They agreed to convenethe joint working group on internal security every three months and holdannual ministerial meetings to ensure continuous coordination and rapidresponse to emerging threats.
Wang Xiaohong praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorismand expressed appreciation for recent enhancements in security protocolsfor Chinese projects. He highlighted China’s readiness to support capacitybuilding, including training programmes for Pakistani law enforcementagencies involved in protecting foreign nationals.
The announcement of the special protection unit builds on earlierinitiatives, such as the formulation of comprehensive standard operatingprocedures in 2024 following deadly attacks on Chinese engineers. Thesemeasures aim to address persistent concerns raised by Beijing over thesafety of its citizens amid a surge in militant activities targetingCPEC-related infrastructure.
Recent years have witnessed several tragic incidents, including suicidebombings in 2024 that claimed the lives of multiple Chinese nationals inregions like Shangla and near Karachi airport. Such attacks, often claimedby separatist groups opposed to foreign investments, have strainedrelations and prompted repeated calls from China for foolproof securityarrangements.
Naqvi briefed his counterpart on ongoing investigations and proactivesteps, assuring that perpetrators would be brought to justice. The new unitin the capital is expected to provide specialised, round-the-clockprotection, incorporating advanced surveillance and rapid deploymentcapabilities tailored to urban environments where many Chinese diplomatsand professionals reside.
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This development signals a renewed push to revitalise CPEC Phase II, whichhas faced delays due to security lapses and economic hurdles. Enhancedprotection is crucial for attracting further Chinese investment in energy,infrastructure, and industrial zones, potentially generating thousands ofjobs and boosting Pakistan’s economy.
The ministers also discussed collaboration on cybercrime and cross-borderthreats, with Naqvi seeking Chinese expertise to strengthen Pakistan’sNational Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency. Wang extended an invitation forNaqvi to attend the Global Security Cooperation Forum in September, furthercementing institutional ties.
As Pakistan navigates a complex security landscape with over a thousandterrorist incidents recorded in 2024 alone, this specialised unitrepresents a tangible commitment to its “ironclad” friendship with China,ensuring the uninterrupted progress of mutually beneficial projects thatare pivotal for regional connectivity and development.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1965630/special-protection-unit-being-set-up-in-islamabad-for-security-of-chinese-nationals-says-naqvi
Tags: Pakistan, China, Mohsin Naqvi, Wang Xiaohong, CPEC, SpecialProtection Unit
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