islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured the Chinese government that all necessary steps will be taken for the safety of its citizens. Pak PM Sharif met China’s Deputy PM Ding Juejiang during the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on Wednesday. Sharif assured Ding that Pakistan is committed to eliminating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens. Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with China’s Deputy PM comes at a time when the Chinese government is concerned about the security of its citizens in Pakistan. In recent months, there have been frequent attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan. Angered by this, the Chinese government has also raised the issue of sending its security forces to Pakistan for the security of its citizens. There is a lot of stir in Pakistan due to this proposal of China and Sharif government is under pressure.
Sharif assured China
During a meeting on the sidelines of the summit in Baku, Sharif told Ding Xuejiang about the government’s efforts to secure Chinese workers and citizens. A statement issued from the Pakistan PM’s office said that Sharif held talks with the Chinese leader on the government’s steps to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism. Also referring to the relations between Pakistan and China, he described China as a long-term friend of Pakistan.
Chinese citizens working on Chinese investment projects in Pakistan, especially the billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, are being targeted. Two Chinese engineers were killed in a suicide bomb blast near Karachi airport in Pakistan last month. Earlier, five Chinese engineers were killed in an attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. After these incidents, the Chinese government has expressed concern about the safety of its citizens in Pakistan.
Following increasing attacks on Chinese citizens, Beijing is pressuring Pakistan to allow its own security personnel to provide security to thousands of Chinese citizens working in the country. The Chinese want to bring their own security. The Pakistan government is not agreeing on this at present.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Amina Hassan, an esteemed expert in international relations and security studies. Dr. Hassan has been closely following the evolving relationship between Pakistan and China, especially in light of recent events. Welcome, Dr. Hassan!
Dr. Amina Hassan: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here!
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently met with China’s Deputy PM Ding Juejiang during the COP29 climate summit in Baku. This meeting underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing security for Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Why is this commitment particularly critical at this moment?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Absolutely. This commitment is crucial due to the heightened concerns from the Chinese government regarding the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, especially following a series of terrorist attacks in recent months. China has invested heavily in Pakistan through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and their citizens are integral to many projects. Ensuring their safety is not just a moral obligation but also essential for the continuation of these investments.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. Prime Minister Sharif’s assurances come amid growing fears and tensions. How effective do you think these commitments will be in reassuring the Chinese government?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Well, assurances alone may not be enough. The efficacy of these commitments largely depends on the actions that follow. It’s important for Pakistan to not only articulate a commitment to security but also to implement robust measures that address the root causes of terrorism. This includes improving intelligence-sharing, enhancing local law enforcement capabilities, and ensuring that infrastructure is in place to protect foreign nationals working in the country.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of robust measures. What specific steps do you think Pakistan should prioritize to improve the security situation for both its citizens and foreign nationals?
Dr. Amina Hassan: Firstly, Pakistan needs to enhance intelligence operations to preempt potential attacks. This can be achieved through increased collaboration with international intelligence agencies, particularly those from China. Secondly, enhancing community policing and engaging local populations in security dialogues can work wonders, as local buy-in is essential for any security initiative to be effective. Lastly, there should be more strategic investment in technological solutions, such as surveillance systems in key areas where Chinese nationals reside or work.
Time.news Editor: Those sound like comprehensive strategies. With the ongoing geopolitical landscape, especially in the region, how do you see the future of Pakistan-China relations evolving in the context of security?
Dr. Amina Hassan: The future of Pakistan-China relations will likely hinge on how effectively Pakistan can address security concerns while also managing domestic challenges. If Pakistan can demonstrate a willingness to improve security, it will foster greater confidence from China, leading to increased investments and a stronger bilateral relationship. However, a failure to ensure safety could lead to a reevaluation of Chinese investments in the region. There’s a delicate balance at play here.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hassan. Before we wrap up, what are your final thoughts on this topic?
Dr. Amina Hassan: I believe that the relationship between Pakistan and China has tremendous potential, but it requires a proactive approach to security to safeguard that relationship. Both countries have a vested interest in ensuring stability, and by working together more closely, they can not only protect their citizens but also promote economic growth and regional stability.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your invaluable insights, Dr. Hassan. It seems that effective collaboration and proactive measures will be key in shaping the future of Pakistan-China relations. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Amina Hassan: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure discussing this vital topic.