Pakistan and China have agreed to establish a joint security force to protect Chinese engineers working on CPEC projects in Pakistan. 

This decision follows China’s proposal in response to the growing incidents of separatist attacks targeting Chinese nationals deployed in Pakistan.

In this regard, the Federal Interior Ministry informed the National Assembly Standing Committee for Development and Planning that the formation of a joint security company proposed by China is underway in the context of attacks on Chinese citizens working on various projects in Pakistan.

Over the past four years, there have been 14 attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, resulting in 20 deaths and 34 injuries.

In addition, the report submitted by the Interior Ministry in the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee chaired by legislator Abdul Qadir Gilani presented details related to attacks on Chinese citizens and security.

The report revealed that over the past four years, there have been 14 attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, leading to 20 deaths and 34 injuries. Additionally, eight Pakistanis were killed, and 25 were injured in these incidents.

Sindh recorded the highest number of attacks, with eight out of the 14 incidents since 2021. Two attacks occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and four in Baluchistan.

The report also highlighted that Chinese nationals in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit face significant risks, while extremist groups active in southern and northern Balochistan pose further threats.

The report stated that “hostile intelligence agencies are behind the planning and funding of attacks on Chinese citizens, with the Baloch Liberation Army and Islamic State Khorasan being particularly active against Chinese nationals.”

“Hostile intelligence agencies” are behind attacks, with groups like the Baloch Liberation Army and ISIS-K targeting Chinese citizens.

The report highlighted that the Ministry of Interior is implementing measures to enhance the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “A high-level core group has been established by the ministry, and Chinese citizens working in remote areas are being transported via helicopters,” it stated.

It further mentioned that key projects, including Mohmand, Dasu, and Diamer, have been protected by the army, while work on the joint security company proposed by China is nearing completion.

Official claims that ” the Chinese government has engaged three private security firms—Dewey Security Frontier Service Group, China Overseas Security Group, and Huaxin Zhongshan Security Service—to oversee the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Staffed by retired officers from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), these firms will play a pivotal role in coordinating security measures for critical projects, including CPEC infrastructure initiatives and the strategically significant Gwadar Port.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently stated that there is solid evidence of Afghan soil being used to plan attacks on Chinese nationals.

“We urge Afghanistan to take decisive action against these terrorists—either prosecute them locally or hand them over to us,” he said. The minister emphasized that the government is fully aware of the forces attempting to undermine Pakistan’s relations with China.

China has engaged private security firms, staffed by ex-PLA officers, to oversee safety measures for its citizens in Pakistan.

He added that these elements are exploiting the vulnerabilities of Afghanistan’s interim government, which has allowed such activities to persist.

Recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Balochistan and Sindh have underscored the growing challenges to Pakistan’s security landscape, particularly in regions where separatist groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) operate.

These groups have increasingly targeted Chinese personnel and infrastructure, citing opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its associated projects.

The BLA and similar outfits argue that the economic benefits of these projects bypass local communities, exacerbating their grievances.

Attacks, such as the suicide bombing near the Confucius Institute in Karachi in April 2022, highlight a deliberate strategy to disrupt Sino-Pak relations and bring international attention to their cause.

Islamabad frequently blames Delhi for supporting these separatist groups by funding and training them, further straining the already tense relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The resurgence of separatist violence poses significant risks to Pakistan’s economic stability and international relations.

The Chinese government has expressed growing concerns over the safety of its citizens and investments, pressing Islamabad to strengthen security measures.

While Pakistan has deployed special security forces to protect CPEC infrastructure and personnel, the effectiveness of these measures is increasingly under scrutiny.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused terrorists of exploiting Afghan vulnerabilities and urged Kabul to act decisively.

The attacks also reveal deeper socio-political issues, including long-standing marginalization and underdevelopment in Balochistan and Sindh, which separatist groups exploit to fuel their narratives.

Addressing these root causes, alongside bolstering counter-terrorism efforts and resolving regional tensions, is critical to ensuring both regional security and the continuation of vital economic projects.

The establishment of a joint security force would not only enhance the security of Chinese engineers and workers but also strengthen bilateral ties by demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its strategic partner.

Moreover, this initiative has broader implications for regional security and stability, as it aims to counteract militant threats that undermine development efforts and disrupt peace in South Asia.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.