UNFORTUNATELY, the Government of Pakistan and its secret agencies had to face the toughest time because of the vulnerable safety and security system of the Chinese nationals working in the CPEC projects in the country during 2024. Frequent attacks on the Chinese nationals, investors, businessmen and technicians working at various CPEC projects deteriorated the soft image of the country and remained one of the main hurdles of attracting more and more inflows of the FDIs. The current surge in terrorism and cross-border infiltrations have once again raised the importance of a hybrid security and policing system between Pakistan and China.
Undoubtedly, CPEC Phases I and II represent a systemic shift aimed at redefining Pakistan’s role in South Asia. This initiative exemplifies a sustainable partnership for socio-economic development, aligning with Pakistan’s aspirations for rapid economic growth, regional integration, and enhanced trade connectivity across South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. By addressing critical gaps in infrastructure and power supply, CPEC seeks to position Pakistan as a pivotal hub in global trade while revitalizing its economic trajectory. However, challenges such as terrorism, the conspiratorial roles of regional competitors, and the interference of global power brokers have hindered its pace, utility, and scope. Despite these challenges, policymakers from both countries have expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, including the high-quality development of CPEC Phase II.
It augurs well that during the most recently held fourth round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) in Beijing, both sides agreed to jointly advance the timely execution and completion of CPEC Phase II projects in the country. The meeting was led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, where both parties exchanged views on a range of regional and international issues and committed to enhancing mutual coordination and consultations through high-level exchanges and dialogue mechanisms. Baloch highlighted the Pakistan-China relationship as special and unique, emphasizing that the government and people of Pakistan deeply cherished the enduring friendship between the two nations. The meeting also reviewed the full spectrum of practical cooperation, with a particular focus on the projects driving the high-quality development of CPEC Phase II.
Additionally, both sides agreed to further deepen their mutual partnerships in sectors such as information technology, agriculture and clean energy, driven by the concept of win-win cooperation and pursuit of people centric, inclusive development. The meeting also acknowledged the pivotal role of CPEC in promoting regional connectivity, win-win cooperation and common prosperity, including through partnerships with other countries.
During the meeting, the Foreign Secretary described CPEC as the cornerstone of economic cooperation as well as a shining symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister highlighted the mutually reinforcing relationship of the five new corridors introduced under CPEC Phase-II namely growth, livelihood, innovation, open and green corridor with Pakistan’s national development framework centred on 5 E’s namely, Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment and Equity which is commendable.
Amna Baloch also met with Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, where they discussed Pakistan-China relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The CPEC has undeniably transformed Pakistan into an attractive destination for direct investment. The 14 energy projects that have been commercialized contribute about one-fifth of Pakistan’s total installed power capacity, highlighting the strategic significance of CPEC in ensuring the country’s energy security. The successful connection of the SK Hydropower Station units to the grid further underscores this importance, as it helps reduce energy deficits and diversify Pakistan’s energy mix. Looking ahead, work on renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, is set to commence, further advancing the country’s energy landscape.
Now CPEC presents a unique opportunity to deepen Pakistan’s financial market by introducing innovative financial instruments such as CPEC bonds and Islamic Sukuk, providing avenues for both local and international investors to participate in these projects. Thus CPEC Phase-II would also be a value addition for further financial integration in the days to come.
Pakistan remained a frontline state in 20th-century geopolitics, which played havoc to its state, society and the system. Now the policy makers of Pakistan should jointly work to unlock CPEC’s potential, ensuring security for Chinese personnel and Chinese projects. The CPEC has turned Pakistan into a hub of connectivity and is helping Pakistan to achieve its dream of sustainable development and prosperity.
In recent months, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the security of Chinese nationals have been revised/updated in consultation with the Chinese Embassy to ensure foolproof protection. However, since 2021, 14 attacks targeting Chinese nationals have occurred—two in KP, four in Balochistan and eight in Sindh—highlighting the persistent threat from terrorist outfits, particularly in South Balochistan, Northern KP and Gilgit-Baltistan. Karachi has remained a focal point for these attacks, with Regional Hostile Intelligence Agencies (RHIAs) identified as key orchestrators and financiers. To counter this, 7,984 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were conducted nationwide, resulting in the elimination of 206 terrorists and the arrest of 1,312, with Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan and ICT actively contributing to these efforts.
Interestingly, one percent of CPEC projects was dedicated for security purposes and two special security divisions of the army were deployed for the security of CPEC projects. The Special Protection Unit (SPU) and Special Security Units (SSU) were employed for protection of Chinese nationals. Besides district police, FC and CAF were also deployed for the security of Chinese. In June 2024, SOPs for non-CPEC/scattered Chinese were revised. In September 2024, SOPs were again revised/updated after holding consultation with the Chinese Embassy Islamabad.
For further strengthening of the safety and security system, the Special Security Audit was conducted by MO Directorate and Intelligence Bureau and now certain important projects in KP and Sindh have been handed over to the army for the purpose of security and protection.
There is a close liaison with the Chinese Security Cell in the Chinese Embassy. In November 2024, the Joint Working Group on Security visited China. A draft counter terrorism agreement for cooperation between China and Pakistan is in the process.
The author suggests that policy makers of China must provide the latest equipment, including helis, aerial vehicles and bullet-proof vehicles for ensuring foolproof security. To conclude there is an urgent need to have a hybrid security system along with joint policing between both the countries.
