Islamabad has made the decision to enhance security measures in order toprotect China’s economic interests, given the challenging securityenvironment faced by Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions inPakistan.
Both Islamabad and Beijing have agreed to strengthen their cooperation onsecurity matters and jointly counter any threats to their friendship andcooperation. This understanding was reached during the 11th JointCooperation Committee meeting, the highest decision-making body for theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The two countries spent over 10 months developing a consensus on variousareas of cooperation, including security. Recently, Pakistan conducted areview of CPEC’s implementation and decided that Planning Minister SamiSaeed would hold a special meeting with Pakistani security officials toassess the security measures agreed upon with China during the 11th JCC.
The wording of the final document reflects China’s serious concern for thesecurity of its citizens and interests in Pakistan. Over the years, Chinesecitizens working on CPEC projects have been targeted, prompting areevaluation of security arrangements.
Additionally, issues related to policy implementation and unsolicitedproposals from Pakistan have posed challenges to CPEC progress. Thisresulted in China refraining from expanding cooperation in areas likeenergy, climate change, and tourism during the 11th JCC.
Both countries now recognize the importance of an enhanced plan tosafeguard Chinese citizens and investments in Pakistan, with securitycooperation being strengthened through mutual consensus.
Pakistan has established two special security divisions for the protectionof Chinese investment under CPEC and will use bulletproof vehicles foroutdoor movements of Chinese nationals. China will provide securityequipment and training to Pakistani officials.
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For non-CPEC projects, the existing security arrangements will bereinforced. Pakistan emphasizes that Chinese citizens should adhere tosecurity protocols and local labor laws. China promises to supervise itscompanies in Pakistan to ensure compliance with security regulations.
Pakistan is creating criteria for ranking private security companies, andonly recognized competent companies will be hired for Chinese security. Tocounter negative propaganda against CPEC, Pakistan and China plan topublicize the project’s achievements and mutual benefits.
They also aim to promote CPEC regionally as a contributor to peace andstability. Furthermore, they seek to involve Afghanistan in regional CPECprojects, identifying prospective projects for Afghan participation.
However, the formal approval of modalities for a third country’sparticipation in CPEC is pending, potentially causing delays in signingagreements at the Belt and Road Forum in China.
