Naqvi announces special protection unit for Chinese nationals

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday said Pakistan was establishing a Special Protection Unit exclusively for the security of Chinese nationals, reiterating that their safety remained a top priority.

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

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, underscoring that China “stands in complete 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.

Briefing the ambassador, the interior minister said the attacks in Balochistan were “organised and premeditated”, adding that security forces had responded swiftly and effectively.

He outlined ongoing operations and enhanced protective measures for Chinese citizens and projects across the country, again stressing that the safety of Chinese nationals remained a top priority.

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

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

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

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

Pakistan has witnessed a spike in violence and terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan and after the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

The attacks have largely focused on police personnel, law enforcement agencies and security forces, though Chinese nationals have also been among the targets in recent years.

These attacks have targeted Chinese citizens working on key infrastructure projects in Pakistan, particularly the multi-billion-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 another 26 were injured in a suicide attack on a bus carrying them to the Dasu Hydropower Project work site.

In March 2024, six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area 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 raised concerns about the safety of its nationals in Pakistan, to which Pakistan 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.