PRIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again reiterated that security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains a top priority of his Government and it is taking all possible measures for the purpose. During a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on the sidelines of the Climate Action Summit of COP-29, he highlighted steps being taken for the security of the Chinese nationals as well as for elimination of the menace of terrorism from the country.
No doubt, the security of Chinese nationals has become a daunting challenge as consistent efforts are being made by enemies of Pakistan’s progress and development and Sino-Pak friendship to disrupt this process and create misunderstanding between Islamabad and Beijing. In this backdrop, one must appreciate the leadership of China for their proper understanding of the situation and making repeated assertions to continue fostering ties with Pakistan in all spheres of life, come what may. This is also evident from the remarks made by the Chinese Vice Premier during his meeting with the Prime Minister when he expressed the desire of his country to work with Pakistan to overcome security challenges and further expand Pak-China cooperation for the development and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries. A firm and categorical answer was also given by spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Lin Jian, during a briefing on Monday, declaring that China will continue supporting Pakistan in its fight against terrorism, adding that both countries had the resolve and the capacity to foil any attempts to harm the bilateral relationship. All this is because China realizes Pakistan is not just a friend and neighbour but a strategic partner and part and parcel of the highly ambitious project of the Chinese President Xi – the Belt and Road Initiative. On its part, Pakistan is making concerted efforts to improve security for Chinese nationals working on developmental projects in all the provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan. The Federal and Provincial Governments, backed fully by the defence forces, are working on two fronts – expand and strengthen security cover for Chinese nationals and intensify crackdown against terrorists on the basis of reports gathered by the intelligence agencies. Back in 2016, Pakistan created a special force of fifteen thousand to ensure security of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the backdrop of reliable reports that some foreign countries are investing hugely to undermine progress on the corridor. Only recently, the Government approved a huge allocation of Rs. 45 billion to strengthen security for Chinese nationals. And the Punjab Government has decided to procure more bullet proof vehicles for the security of the Chinese work force. The Balochistan Government has developed a comprehensive plan to significantly improve security across the province in the backdrop of a surge in acts of sabotage and terrorism. As for the resurgence in terrorism, the Government has approved another operation to wipe out remnants of terrorism and , of course, it will take some time to produce the desired results. It is also a reality that the resurge in terrorism is closely linked to the policies and actions of the Taliban Government, which is openly patronizing TTP elements. There is also undeniable evidence that these elements, enjoying safe havens in Afghanistan, are also involved in acts of terrorism against Chinese nationals and projects. As China has a greater leverage in Kabul after withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, there are legitimate expectations that Beijing will use its good offices with Kabul to help stem this wave of terrorism. Analysts also point out that as the Pakistan Army is discharging its responsibility vis-à-vis the menace of terrorism, it is for the political leadership to initiate moves aimed at forging national unity and solidarity which could prove a firm guarantee to take the anti-terror campaign to its logical conclusion.
