Naqvi announces a special protection unit for Chinese nationals

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that Pakistan was setting up a special protection unit exclusively for the security of Chinese nationals and reiterated 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, where 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 and stressed that China “stands in complete solidarity” with Pakistan at this difficult time.

“A special protection unit is being established solely for the security of Chinese nationals,” Naqvi said, adding that modern Chinese technology will further strengthen coordinated anti-terror operations

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

Briefing the ambassador, the interior minister said the attacks in Balochistan were “organized 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, reiterating that the safety of Chinese nationals remained 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 counter-terrorism, internal security and cybercrime and agreed to deepen cooperation, especially in intelligence sharing.

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

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

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

Pakistan has witnessed an increase in violence and terrorist attacks, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and after the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.

The attacks have largely focused on police personnel, law enforcement and security forces, although 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 transporting 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, as Pakistan assured Beijing about 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 and promised to create a safer and more conducive environment for Chinese workers in the country.