Naqvi announces special protection unit for Chinese citizens

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

He made these remarks during a high-level meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong at the Ministry of Home Affairs, where both sides reaffirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.

Naqvi welcomed Ambassador Zaidong and highlighted China’s strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces in Balochistan. The Chinese envoy expressed deep solidarity with the affected families and stressed that China “completely stands in solidarity” with Pakistan during this difficult time.

“A Special Protection Unit is being established exclusively for the security of Chinese citizens,” 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 Home Minister said the attacks in Balochistan were “organised and premeditated”, adding that the security forces had responded quickly and effectively.

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan has seen a rise in violence and terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the US 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, although Chinese citizens have also been among the targets in recent years.

These attacks have targeted Chinese nationals 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 citizens lost their lives and 26 others were injured in a suicide attack on a bus taking them to the Dasu Hydroelectric 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 expressed concern over the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, to which Pakistan assured Beijing of the safety of Chinese citizens in the country.

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