China Pakistan Monitoring Desk Islamabad
Tazeen Akhtar
Finally , the iron brothers China and Pakistan seem to be settled with what happened last week on the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Earlier consecutive two terrorist attacks taking precious lives of 7 Chinese citizens and one firing incident in Karachi on individual level dispute with a security guard of a factory.
This is second time when a highly awkward situation was created between China Pak but matter of satisfaction is that both sides took the bull from the horns before it could damage that has been built with hard work and sacrifices of many lives. In the near past , both countries survived the crisis made by the marriages of Pakistani girls with Chinese Nationals.
China thinking upon Taking Over Security of her Citizens in Pakistan?
The statements from the foreign ministries of both time tested friends are encouraging but still the things need to be assorted and seen accordingly. Pakistan is supposed to investigate thoroughly the attack at Karachi Airport especially and bring the real perpetrators to book while China is expected to admit that the security of all citizens living in Pakistan is not possible.
Chinese Nationals in Pakistan are more than one hundred thousand. There are two types of them. 1 – government personnel 2- private workers and businessmen. Second type is living in the cities taking houses on rent and having dealings with local people privately. Their matters should be seen separately.
Pakistan in the World – June/July 2024
On the normalization of the tense situation that erupted last week on the statement of DPM/FM Pakistan and Ambassador’s response, both sides have developed understanding and issuing statements in this regard.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian in his regular press conference on November 11, 2024 taking a question from the Reuters made it clear that terrorism is common enemy and both countries are fighting against this menace.
Reuters correspondent had asked that following the recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, has the concern for the security of Chinese citizens increased in Pakistan? If so, what are the concerns? Is Beijing satisfied with the security protocols for its nationals and projects in Pakistan?
Lin Jian responded as , “China reiterates that terrorism is a common enemy of humanity. It’s the shared responsibility of the international community to fight terrorism and prevent tragedies from happening again. China will continue to support Pakistan in fighting terrorism. We are firm in our commitment to protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions overseas. China and Pakistan have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price.”
Security Situation is Not Exemplary in Gwader -Work is Slow because there is no Road Network with Balochistan & Punjab : Minister Maritime Pakistan
On the side of Pakistan, the spokesperson Foreign Office, Ms Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also shared the same spirit. She in her briefing , on a question said, “China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship has taken deep roots among our peoples. Attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed. China will continue to support Pakistan in developing its economy and society and improving people’s life. We will firmly carry out cooperation with Pakistan in various fields for the benefit of the two peoples.”
“China and Pakistan have the resolve & capability to foil any attempt to sabotage our ties, and make sure the terrorists will pay the price. China will continue supporting Pakistan’s counterterrorism effort & socioeconomic development. We remain committed to cooperation to deliver more benefit for both peoples, She added.
Here it is worth mentioning that , all is well that ends well type things are good to note but all is not well. The security matters of Chinese as well as other foreigners are disturbing Pakistani efforts to bring FDI in the country for long. The recent blast at Quetta Railway Station has again exposed the long claims of the officials and posed a renewed challenge from the terrorists. Pakistan’s main cities and important public spots like Railway Station and Airport have been hit hard.
The Chinese Premier visited Pakistan last month but he was not able to see Gwader and inaugurate the newly constructed Airport personally and physically there. Definitely, it was due to security and does not speak good for both countries.
CPEC is the name of connectivity and communication while the constructors of CPEC can not visit the culmination project even. This is not satisfactory by the way. Both sides are expected to settle the disturbing matters once for all otherwise the same state of affairs can rise again for the third, fourth time as well. God Forbid……………………
Pakistan in the World – Aug / Sep 2024
