ISLAMABAD – All-weather friends Pakistan and China are witnessing growing depth of security and diplomatic ties. In a major security move aimed at protecting Chinese nationals, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced the establishment of a special protection force in Islamabad, underscoring Pakistan’s heightened focus on safeguarding its closest strategic partner amid rising security threats.
The announcement came during a high-level meeting between Naqvi and China’s Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, held at the headquarters of China’s Ministry of Public Security in Beijing. Naqvi was accorded a warm reception as the two sides held extensive talks on counterterrorism, policing, and regional security cooperation.
Two leaders agreed to create joint and rapid response system to counter terrorism, along with expanding specialised training programmes to boost operational strength of police and security forces. The ministers also committed to continuous intelligence and information-sharing between law enforcement and security institutions in Pakistan and China.
Wang praised Islamabad’s counterterrorism efforts and acknowledged sacrifices it has made in fight against extremism. “We appreciate Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism,” he said, while reaffirming China’s confidence in Islamabad’s security measures.
Naqvi briefed the Chinese minister on steps being taken to protect Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan, stressing that their safety remains the government’s top national priority. He said effective security measures are already in place, including the creation of a dedicated protection unit in the federal capital. Wang expressed satisfaction with the measures, calling them reassuring for Chinese citizens and investors.
The issue of Chinese nationals’ security has taken on renewed urgency following a series of attacks in Pakistan. According to data released by the National Counter Terrorism Authority in December 2024, 20 Chinese citizens have been killed and 34 injured in terrorist incidents between 2021 and 2024. The disclosure came weeks after a shocking incident in Karachi in which a security guard opened fire on two Chinese nationals, injuring both. Earlier, a deadly bombing near Karachi airport killed two Chinese engineers and left several others wounded.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly emphasised the importance of protecting the Chinese community, particularly in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Last July, while chairing a high-level security meeting, he said the government was committed to creating a secure and business-friendly environment for Chinese nationals, warning that the confidence of Chinese companies was “extremely important” for Pakistan’s economic future. He also ordered authorities to prioritise security and facilitation for Chinese citizens at airports across the country.
Beyond physical security, the Beijing talks also focused on the growing threat of cybercrime. Naqvi said Pakistan was seeking Chinese assistance to strengthen the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, noting that Chinese artificial intelligence technologies could play a crucial role in counterterrorism operations and addressing complex security challenges.
Reaffirming the depth of bilateral ties, Naqvi described Pakistan-China relations as built on sustained and strategic cooperation, expressing a desire to further expand collaboration to protect shared interests. Both sides agreed to institutionalise security coordination through quarterly meetings of a joint working group and annual ministerial-level talks.
Naqvi invited Wang to visit Pakistan and conveyed warm wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China’s leadership. In return, Wang invited Naqvi to attend the Global Security Cooperation Forum to be held in China this September.
Russia, China condemn US military action in Venezuela, demand release of Maduro, his wife
