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Pakistan and China are in ongoing discussions about security measures to protect Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, Islamabad’s ambassador to Beijing said on Wednesday.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi stated that both countries are closely cooperating on information sharing and security protocols to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. “It’s a work in progress,” he said during a forum in China’s Hainan province.
China has invested $65 billion in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. Thousands of Chinese workers are involved in CPEC projects, making security a major concern.
Militants have targeted Chinese nationals to damage Pakistan-China relations, spread instability, and disrupt economic projects.
Attacks, such as the blast at Karachi airport last October that killed two Chinese engineers, have raised serious concerns in Beijing.
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China has urged Pakistan to allow its own security forces to protect Chinese workers. However, Pakistan maintains that ensuring their safety is its national responsibility. Hashmi assured that Pakistan is committed to countering terrorist threats and has the capability to defeat them.
Last month, Pakistan and China agreed to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation.
During President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, he met Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, to discuss strengthening ties in defence, agriculture, and technology.
A joint statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorist attacks against Chinese personnel.
It emphasized that protecting Chinese workers, projects, and institutions remains a top priority for the Pakistani government.
Both countries remain committed to ensuring security and maintaining their strategic partnership despite ongoing threats.
