Strengthening Security Measures for Chinese Workers in Pakistan

Enhancing Security Measures for Chinese Workers in Pakistan

In a bustling port city along Pakistan’s southwestern coast, a newly constructed security barrier and numerous checkpoints have been put in place to ensure the safety of Chinese workers. Moving down the Arabian Sea coast to Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, authorities have deployed additional police officers to a specialized unit tasked with safeguarding Chinese-funded development projects. Moreover, in the capital city of Islamabad, a dedicated police force has been established to provide protection to Chinese nationals.

Throughout Pakistan, efforts are being expedited to strengthen security for Chinese workers following a surge in militant attacks targeting Chinese-funded megaprojects. These attacks have posed threats to critical infrastructure, energy initiatives, and trade projects that have been instrumental in sustaining Pakistan’s economy amid a severe economic crisis.

The substantial investment in Pakistan, initiated in 2015 as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, encompasses approximately $60 billion worth of planned projects. While estimates on the exact number of Chinese workers in Pakistan vary, it is believed that tens of thousands are present in the country. Chinese investment has emerged as a crucial pillar of support for Pakistan, particularly after reduced backing from the United States following the conclusion of the Afghan war in 2021.

The security challenges faced by Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan have been persistent since their inception. However, over the past few years, with the resurgence of militant groups across the country and a sharp increase in terrorist incidents, Chinese investments, or projects perceived to have Chinese affiliations, have become increasingly susceptible to security threats.

A string of attacks earlier this year underscored the gravity of this threat. Towards the end of March, armed assailants targeted the Chinese-operated port in Gwadar, situated along the southwestern coast of the Arabian Sea, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Pakistani security personnel. Shortly after, militants launched an attack on Pakistan’s second-largest air base, citing objections to Chinese involvement in resource extraction in the region.