Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday the establishment of a new “special police force” in Islamabad focused on safeguarding Chinese citizens from terrorist threats.
“The safety of Chinese nationals and projects that benefit both nations is our foremost priority,” Naqvi asserted. While his comments might not sit well with some in Pakistan, he made them from Beijing, which perhaps softened their impact.
Wang Xiaohong, the Minister of Public Security in China, expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism during a meeting with Naqvi that coincided with this announcement.
Both officials committed to collaborating on strategies for training police and security personnel, developing quick-response mechanisms for terrorist situations, and sharing information between their respective law enforcement bodies.
China employs many individuals in Pakistan, particularly in initiatives tied to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the broader China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
CPEC, featuring investments of around $62 billion, significantly influences Pakistan’s economically unstable landscape. The specifics of CPEC projects remain vague, and those who probe too deeply into its details often face repercussions.
A case in point is former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated and facing multiple criminal charges. He had previously questioned the benefits of the mountainous debts accrued through CPEC and alleged that certain politicians were benefiting personally from these arrangements. His criticisms ultimately contributed to his ousting in 2022.
Furthermore, CPEC has attracted the attention of Islamist militants aiming to destabilize Pakistan’s secular government, alongside separatists in the troubled Balochistan region. Pakistan has consistently been a target of terrorist violence, leading Beijing to repeatedly urge for enhanced protective measures.
Radio Free Europe (RFE) noted on Thursday that, since 2021, 20 Chinese nationals have been killed and 34 injured in attacks within Pakistan.
In response to security concerns, Pakistan had previously dispatched an army brigade to Balochistan, where several significant CPEC projects are underway. The country also formed the Special Security Division, which boasted 15,000 personnel by 2017, primarily focused on the security of Chinese workers and CPEC enterprises.
According to RFE, the newly formed police unit is likely an additional gesture to appease Beijing, although some believe it might be more symbolic, given Pakistan’s limited resources to effectively establish a robust anti-terrorism force.
“CPEC isn’t just experiencing delays; it’s nearly vanishing,” remarked a former Pakistani official, pointing to financial issues, organizational challenges, and ongoing security threats.
