Pakistani authorities impose drone ban in Karachi amid ‘serious threats’ to Chinese consulate

KARACHI: The administration of Pakistan’s commercial capital Karachi imposed a two-month ban on the use of drones in the southern district on Saturday, citing “serious threats” to the Chinese diplomatic mission from militant groups and hostile agencies.
The threats to Chinese nationals and their consulate in the city have manifested in high-profile attacks in the past, including the 2018 assault on the diplomatic facility and the 2022 bombing near the Confucius Institute at Karachi University, resulting in the deaths of Chinese academics.
These incidents prompted Pakistani authorities to enhance security measures to protect Chinese nationals involved in significant projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, considered a future lifeline for the South Asian nation.
More recently, five Chinese nationals working were targeted and killed along with their local driver by a suicide bomber in the country’s northwest on March 26, leading to an emergency security meeting wherein the government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting all Chinese workers “contributing to the prosperity of Pakistan.”
“Whereas, it has been reported that there are serious threats to vital installations and Chinese Consulate, Karachi by the Anti-State Elements/Hostile agencies in the wake of recent attacks on Chinese Nationals, therefore, it is necessary to take immediate measures to avoid any mishaps & to maintain law and order situation in the city,” said a notification issued the office of the commissioner of Karachi division.
“In exercise of powers under section 144 (6) Cr.P.C delegated by Home Department, Government of Sindh ... I, Muhammad Saleem Rajput, Commissioner Karachi Division, do hereby impose complete ban on the use of Drones within the local limited of District South Karachi for a period of 02 months ... with immediate effect,” the notification added.
Pakistani officials told the media on Friday Chinese contractors had halted construction on two major dam projects in the country, following the recent suicide attack. These companies have been calling for a new security plan before resuming their activities, which involve nearly 1,250 Chinese nationals.
The incident is also being probed by a team of Chinese experts that arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday.