Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan as a top priority during a recent conference, highlighting significant investment agreements.
Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 17, 2026 ALN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted on Friday that the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan was "paramount for us." This statement reflects the ongoing commitment of the Pakistani government to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, particularly those from China, who have been involved in various development projects across the country.
During his address at the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference held in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of safeguarding Chinese citizens, saying, "I would like to say with fullest force at my command that the security of Chinese brothers and sisters in Pakistan is paramount for us, it is most important. And we will leave no stone unturned to provide them with the best possible security." His remarks come at a time when security concerns for foreign workers, particularly Chinese nationals, have been heightened due to various incidents of violence.
The conference was not only a platform for discussing security but also a significant event for economic collaboration. It witnessed the signing of multiple agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies in the healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals sectors. PM Shehbaz mentioned that these agreements were cumulatively valued at almost $440 million, indicating a strong economic partnership between the two nations. This partnership is particularly relevant as both countries seek to deepen their ties through initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
PM Shehbaz’s assurance regarding security comes in the wake of recent developments concerning the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Just two days prior, State Minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry announced that authorities were increasing security around the China-run Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan. This decision was prompted by disruptions in supply routes in the region due to terrorist activities. The region has been a hotspot for violence, and the government's proactive measures aim to protect key investments and personnel.
The backdrop of these security concerns is marked by a series of high-profile terrorist attacks targeting Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan. According to data shared by the National Counter Terrorism Authority in December 2024, there were significant casualties among Chinese nationals, with 20 killed and 34 injured in terror attacks from 2021 until then. This statistic underscores the risks associated with foreign investment in regions plagued by instability.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred in March 2024, when five Chinese nationals working on the Dasu dam project were killed in a suicide bombing in Bisham. Similarly, in April 2022, a suicide attack outside the University of Karachi’s Confucius Institute resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, including three Chinese nationals. This attack was claimed by the banned Balochistan Liberation Army, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by separatist groups in the region.
Another significant attack occurred in July 2021, when a bus carrying Chinese engineers near the Dasu hydropower plant in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people, including nine Chinese engineers and two Frontier Corps personnel. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety of Chinese investments and personnel in Pakistan, prompting the government to take stringent measures to enhance security.
In light of these challenges, PM Shehbaz's commitment to the security of Chinese nationals is crucial not only for the safety of individuals but also for the broader economic implications. The assurance of safety is vital for fostering a conducive environment for foreign investments, which are essential for Pakistan's economic growth and development. The conference represents a step forward in this direction, as it aims to bolster the pharmaceutical industry and promote the manufacturing of life-saving medicines, vaccines, and research and development initiatives.
In his address, PM Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of the agreements signed during the conference, stating that they would be converted into "implementable documents." He described these agreements as a significant step forward in promoting CPEC 2.0, a new phase of economic cooperation between Pakistan and China. CPEC has been a cornerstone of Pakistan's economic strategy, with China having invested over $30 billion in various infrastructure and development projects under the original CPEC framework.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude for China's unwavering support for Pakistan, stating, "China stood by Pakistan through thick and thin, through the most difficult times, promoting Pakistan’s economic trajectory, supporting Pakistan’s stand at international forums and joining hands together in CPEC 1.0." This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted ties and mutual dependence between the two nations, particularly in the context of economic development and regional stability.
He also acknowledged China's significant role in the global economy, asserting that "the world cannot move without China." This statement emphasizes the strategic importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations, especially in the face of global economic challenges. The leadership of President Xi Jinping was also praised, with PM Shehbaz attributing the successes of the partnership to his "forward-looking dynamic leadership."
Overall, the conference and PM Shehbaz's remarks signify a renewed commitment to enhancing security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan and promoting economic collaboration through initiatives like CPEC 2.0. The implications of these developments are far-reaching, as they not only aim to protect individual lives but also seek to foster a stable environment for foreign investments, which are critical for Pakistan's economic future. The focus on the pharmaceutical sector, in particular, could lead to advancements in healthcare and biotechnology, benefiting not only Pakistan but also its neighboring countries through potential exports and collaborations.
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