Islamabad, November 14, 2024- Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday rejected reports from a foreign news agency claiming that China is pressuring Pakistan to allow Chinese security personnel to protect thousands of its nationals working in the country. The Foreign Office described the reports as “media speculation.”
The news agency report, based on anonymous sources within Pakistani security and government circles, alleged that a recent wave of attacks on Chinese nationals had strained relations, prompting discussions on a joint security management system. The latest incident was an airport bombing in Karachi last month, which tragically killed two Chinese engineers returning from holiday.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the claims during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, cautioning against relying on “speculation.” She stated, “I would not like to respond to media speculations that are based on unreliable sources and driven by an agenda to sow confusion about the Pakistan-China relationship.”
She emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to safeguarding Chinese citizens and projects, particularly those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65-billion investment as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. “We have raised a security force specifically for the protection of Chinese nationals and CPEC projects within Pakistan,” Baloch said, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining this security infrastructure.
The news agency reported a possible agreement on establishing a joint security management framework, with Pakistan potentially permitting Chinese officials to attend security meetings. However, no consensus has been reached on ground-level security arrangements. Instead, Pakistan is seeking China’s support to strengthen intelligence and surveillance capabilities rather than direct security involvement.
In a statement directed at media outlets, Baloch advised, “We urge the media to consider the motivations of those spreading these stories.” She reiterated the depth of Pakistan-China relations and the two countries’ cooperation on counterterrorism and security issues. “Pakistan and China will continue working together to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.”
Baloch concluded by affirming the strength of Pakistan-China ties, noting both nations’ resolve to counter “any attempts to harm our relationship, including through speculative reporting.”
