China not aware of Pak travel 'restrictions'

China said on Thursday it would work with Pakistan to protect the safety and security of its personnel and projects and institutions in Pakistan, following the killing of two Chinese engineers claimed by the banned outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said she was not aware of reports that Pakistani authorities were seeking to curb the movements of Chinese citizens during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting next week because of a security risk from militant groups targeting them.

Mao statement came amid reports that Pakistani authorities are seeking to curb movements of Chinese citizens during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting next week because of a security risk from militant groups targeting them, according to three security officials and an internal security note.

The meeting of the SCO, which comprises nine full members, including China, India, Iran and Russia, is scheduled for Oct 15 and 16 in Islamabad. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to arrive in the city prior to the meeting. "Orders have been received from concerned authority that Chinese movement of all types including intra-city/ inter-city/airport etc to be ceased from 14 to 17 Oct 24 in connection with SCO summit and various delegations visit," the alert, shared with several Pakistani security agencies and seen by Reuters, said.

Moreover, a Chinese delegation has expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of two Chinese workers in the Karachi incident.

The delegation, led by China Power Resources Chairman Zhong Huixiang and Port Qasim Project Chairman He Shiyou on Thursday met with Planning Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal.

According to a statement issued by the planning ministry, the delegation members discussed the recent attack on Chinese personnel in Karachi and security issues for Chinese workers.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday visited the Embassy of China here and offered his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan over the tragic killing of Chinese citizens in a terrorist attack in Karachi that took place on October 7, 2024.

Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, the president reiterated the resolve to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

He expressed Pakistan's solidarity with Chinese people in this hour of grief, according to a President House press release. Talking to Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, President Zardari said that the Chinese government and people had contributed to the socio-economic development of Pakistan and the enemies of both countries could not want to see the growing bilateral partnership.