Chinese investors have approached the Sindh High Court seeking legal intervention over alleged harassment and extortion by the local police, Express News reported.
The petitioners appeared before the court and alleged that they were subjected to harassment and extortion by police officers in Sindh. They warned that unless the authorities intervened, they would either return to Lahore or leave the country altogether.
The petitioner’s counsel, Barrister Rahman Mehsud, argued that the Chinese investors had come to Pakistan at the invitation of senior officials, including the prime minister and army chief, to make investments. However, they have faced numerous challenges since their arrival.
Mehsud stated that the investors were asked for bribes from the airport to their homes and had to endure long waits for armored vehicles at the airport. In return for bribes, police officers reportedly transported them to their residences.
Furthermore, the petitioners alleged that their residences were often cordoned off with security personnel stationed outside, restricting their freedom of movement.
They also claimed they were unable to attend business meetings and at times police officers would break their vehicle windows during attacks. For a bribe ranging from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000, the police gave limited freedom of movement.
The petition also cited an incident in which three Chinese female investors were forced to return to China after facing disrespect from an expo center.
In addition, seven Chinese-owned factories in the Sakhi Thana Jurisdiction were closed by local authorities. The petitioners asked the court to order the authorities to protect the rights of Chinese citizens in accordance with international laws.
In response, the Court issued notices to all parties involved, including the Ministry of Interior, Chief Secretary of Sindh, Inspector General of Police, Home Secretary, the Head of the Special Unit for CPEC Security and the Chinese Embassy. The court has sought answers from the parties within four weeks.
