Pakistani authorities are boosting security for Chinese nationals after a Karachi bombing killed two Chinese engineers. The attack, claimed by the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has prompted serious concerns. In response, Pakistan is limiting the movements of Chinese citizens during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Islamabad, scheduled for October 15 and 16.
This decision comes in light of the growing security threat posed by militant groups targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Reuters obtained an internal security note directing the halt of all Chinese movements, including travel within and between cities and to airports, from October 14 to 17. These actions aim to safeguard Chinese citizens during the summit, which will host high-profile delegations from nine full SCO members, including China and India.
The bombing on Sunday near Karachi’s international airport is the latest in a series of attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The BLA, engaged in a decades-long insurgency against the federal government, has previously targeted Chinese interests, notably attacking the strategic Gwadar port. The group accuses China of exploiting local resources in collaboration with the Pakistani government. In March, a suicide bombing killed five Chinese engineers working on a hydro Iran, and Russia.
The Chinese embassy in Islamabad and Pakistan’s interior ministry have not commented on the matter.power project.Reuters obtained an internal security note directing the halt of all Chinese movements, including travel within and between cities and to airports, from October 14 to 17. These actions aim to safeguard Chinese citizens during the summit, which will host high-profile delegations from nine full SCO members, including China and India.
Read: Karachi Attack on Chinese Engineers, Says Muhammad Aurangzeb
Attack in Secure Zone Sparks Concerns Over Safety Measures
Following this latest attack, senior staff responsible for Chinese security in Karachi have been removed from their positions. The attack took place in a highly secure area, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures. Pakistan’s interior ministry holds the primary responsibility for ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and their investments in the country.
Beijing has expressed strong concerns over the incident, urging Islamabad to enhance security for Chinese citizens. China’s investments in Pakistan, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), amount to $65 billion, and maintaining the safety of Chinese personnel is crucial to the success of these projects.
The port of Gwadar, a key component of China’s investment in Pakistan, has been a frequent target of BLA attacks. The group claims that the development benefits China and the Pakistani government while neglecting the local population. This has fueled tensions and led to multiple attacks on Chinese nationals and interests over the past four years.
In light of the security breach, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters to wait a few days for more clarity on the situation. Meanwhile, security measures remain heightened as Pakistan prepares to host the SCO summit, a critical event for regional cooperation and economic development.
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