At a pivotal meeting held at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in the presence of Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong, reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other projects in the country. This high-level meeting, following Prime Minister Shehabaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, was a testament to the importance both nations place on fortifying Pakistan-China relations and safeguarding the well-being of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
In the meeting, Minister Naqvi emphasized that the recent visit by the Prime Minister has strengthened the friendship between Pakistan and China and highlighted the consistent support extended to Pakistan by the top leadership in China. He also briefed the Chinese envoy on the security measures put in place to safeguard Chinese nationals, including engineers and staff working on CPEC and other ventures. Naqvi underscored the formulation of comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the protection of Chinese citizens and the establishment of a specialized force, “SPU,” dedicated to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals, particularly in Islamabad.
Minister Naqvi, in a strong reaffirmation, emphasized that the government of Pakistan places the utmost priority on protecting Chinese workers who are contributing to the construction and development of the country. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to preserving the enduring friendship with China and made it clear that any attempts to undermine the bilateral ties between the two nations would not succeed. This resolute stance is a testament to Pakistan’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Chinese citizens.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong affirmed the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, describing their relationship as that of “iron brothers.” He conveyed that Beijing is very significant in its ties with Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements in place for the protection of Chinese citizens.
PM Shehbaz’s official visit to China earlier this month further solidified the mutual support and cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, Premier Shehbaz held meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li, and other high-ranking officials, as per a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office. The Chinese side reiterated its steadfast backing of Pakistan in various aspects, including safeguarding its sovereignty, combating terrorism, and playing a more substantial role in regional and international affairs.
Both Pakistan and China reiterated their resolute commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and security endeavours. This collaborative stance is underlined by a “zero tolerance” approach towards all forms of terrorism, reflecting their joint efforts to fortify regional stability and security.
