Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the government was building a safe and business-friendly environment for the Chinese community in Pakistan.
“The confidence of Chinese companies in the Pakistani economy is extremely important for our economic future,” the prime minister said while presiding over a meeting on Tuesday regarding security arrangements for Chinese nationals in the country.
He noted that the government has adopted a series of robust steps to strengthen the safety of Chinese personnel, particularly in major cities, including the federal capital.
Highlighting the role of surveillance and technology, the prime minister pointed to the expansion of Safe City projects nationwide as a key part of the government’s security strategy. These systems, he added, are being developed in line with international best practices.
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“China is one of our most trusted partners,” the prime minister remarked, stressing that the safety of Chinese friends remains a top government priority.
He also underscored the strategic value of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it a milestone in bilateral cooperation that has now moved into its second phase, with a greater focus on business-to-business partnerships.
Given the evolving nature of CPEC, the prime minister said, the need to ensure the protection of Chinese nationals has become even more critical.
He directed authorities to take urgent steps to improve facilities for Chinese citizens at airports across the country, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures.
During the session, the interior minister briefed the prime minister on the current security arrangements in place for Chinese nationals. It was shared that, in view of potential security threats, dedicated protection plans had been implemented.
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Officials from both the federal and provincial governments were said to be working in close coordination on this front. The meeting was informed that special escort services are being provided for Chinese travelers, and that all new residential projects will include surveillance infrastructure meeting Safe City specifications.
Among those present at the meeting were Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
