Naqvi announces creation of special protection unit for Chinese nationals

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that Pakistan was establishing a special protection unit exclusively for the security of Chinese nationals, reiterating that their security remained a top priority.

He made the remarks during a high-level meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the Ministry of Interior, during which both sides reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Naqvi welcomed Ambassador Zaidong and noted China’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks targeting civilians and security forces in Balochistan. The Chinese envoy expressed deep sympathy for the affected families, stressing that China “stands in full solidarity” with Pakistan during this difficult time.

“A special protection unit is being established exclusively for the security of Chinese nationals,” Naqvi said, adding that modern Chinese technology would further strengthen coordinated counter-terrorism operations.

Ambassador Zaidong reiterated China’s firm opposition to terrorism in all its forms and assured continued cooperation in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts.

Addressing the ambassador, the interior minister said the attacks in Balochistan were “organized and premeditated”, adding that security forces responded quickly and effectively.

He outlined ongoing operations and enhanced protection measures for Chinese citizens and projects across the country, emphasizing once again that the safety of Chinese nationals remains a top priority.

The minister also briefed the envoy on his recent visit to China, citing progress in security and development cooperation. The two sides held in-depth discussions on counter-terrorism, internal security and cybercrime, and agreed to deepen their collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing.

Reaffirming their commitment to the long-standing strategic partnership, the two officials said no adversary could jeopardize the Pakistan-China friendship.

Ambassador Zaidong thanked Pakistan for the security measures put in place, while Naqvi expressed gratitude for China’s continued support.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, senior officials of the Ministry of Interior and representatives of the Chinese Embassy were also present in the meeting.

Pakistan has seen a surge in violence and terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and after the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

Attacks have largely focused on police personnel, law enforcement and security forces, although Chinese nationals have also been among targets in recent years.

These attacks have targeted Chinese citizens working on key infrastructure projects in Pakistan, particularly the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative.

One of the worst attacks occurred in July 2021, when a total of 10 Chinese nationals lost their lives and 26 others were injured in a suicide attack on a bus transporting them to the Dasu hydropower project construction site.

In March 2024, six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote region of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Around the same time, a massive explosion on a road near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi killed three people, including two Chinese engineers, and injured at least 11 others.

China has expressed concerns over the safety of its nationals in Pakistan, to which Pakistan has assured Beijing of the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

Last year, during his trip to China, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening security measures, pledging to provide a safer and more conducive environment for Chinese workers in the country.