PM reaffirms security of Chinese nationals as top priority

Sharif says confidence of Chinese companies in Pakistan's economy is extremely important for our economic future

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ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated that the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains a top priority for the government, underscoring its significance in the context of the country’s economic future and bilateral cooperation with China.

Chairing a high-level meeting on security arrangements for Chinese citizens, the prime minister said that creating a safe and business-friendly environment was essential to maintaining the confidence of Chinese companies operating in Pakistan.

“The confidence of Chinese companies in the Pakistani economy is extremely important for our economic future,” he stated.

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He highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster security for Chinese nationals across the country, including in the federal capital, citing Safe City projects as a key component of this strategy. 

These surveillance and response systems, he said, were being implemented nationwide in accordance with international standards.

“China is our friendly country, and the safety of our Chinese brothers is our foremost responsibility,” PM Shehbaz said while noting that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had entered its second phase, focused on business-to-business collaboration, further increasing the importance of secure conditions for Chinese citizens.

In view of this, the premier directed authorities to take special measures at all airports to facilitate the arrival and departure of Chinese nationals. He also called for the inclusion of Safe City-standard surveillance systems in all upcoming housing projects.

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During the briefing, the interior minister and senior officials updated the prime minister on security protocols in place, highlighting that special arrangements had been made nationwide in light of potential security threats.

Chinese nationals are currently being provided with security escort services for travel, the meeting was informed. The federal and provincial governments are working in coordination on these measures, the briefing added, noting that Safe City projects were being expanded across multiple urban centres.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, State Minister Talal Chaudhry, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.