INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: Pakistan is enhancing its security measures for Chinese nationals working in the country, following pressure from Beijing to
provide better protection against militant threats
This decision was made during a high-level security meeting held by the Pakistan interior ministry last week
The new security protocols, previously applicable only to Chinese personnel involved in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, will now
extend to experts and investors engaged in other activities, a Nikkei Asia report said.Under these revised procedures, all Chinese
individuals working in Pakistan are required to register their residential addresses with local police
Additionally, they must ensure that their travel within the country is conducted in bulletproof vehicles
This move comes as a response to concerns over potential attacks, particularly in light of the recent merger of separatist groups which has
raised fears of increased militant activities.The decision to bolster security for Chinese nationals underscores the growing concerns about
their safety in Pakistan, a key partner in China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative
The initiative, which aims to develop infrastructure and strengthen economic ties across Asia, Africa, and Europe, has seen significant
Chinese investment and presence in Pakistan, necessitating heightened security measures.Rising militant attacksThousands of Chinese citizens
Baluchistan province, have alarmed Beijing and led to a slowdown on some of the projects in recent months.Ethnic Baluch insurgents took
credit for plotting the Karachi attack as they have done for other raids on Chinese nationals
The insurgents claim to be fighting for an independent Baluchistan and denounce CPEC projects in the natural resources-rich region, alleging
the projects are meant to deprive local residents of their resources.Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping had hosted wide-ranging
conveyed his hope that Pakistan will provide a reliable and safe environment for Chinese institutions and personnel working on cooperation
The CPEC has raised the expatriate population, which has grown from 20,000 in 2013 to 60,000 in 2018.Due to various threats to Chinese
workers in Pakistan, the Chinese embassy has formed a liaison committee with the Pakistani government to look into safety issues.
