Pakistan PM calls for enhanced security measures to protect Chinese nationals amid militant violence

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided a high-level security meeting on Friday, asking the interior ministry to coordinate with provinces to eliminate militant violence and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working on various projects in the country.
There has been a surge in militant violence in Pakistan for well over a year, with a recent suicide attack targeting five Chinese nationals in the northwest, underscoring the growing threat to foreign workers and investments in the region.
The incident spotlighted the urgent need to strengthen security measures, with the government promising to make every effort to prevent the recurrence of such violent acts and ensure the safety of Chinese workers within its borders.
“We will continue to fight the specter of terrorism until it is eradicated from the country,” the prime minister was quoted in a statement released by his office.
It added that he “directed the interior ministry to enhance cooperation with provinces for the eradication of terrorism and further improvement of provincial counter-terrorism departments.”
The prime minister said he would personally review the security of Chinese nationals in his monthly meetings.
He instructed the ministry to develop a comprehensive plan for the regular audit of security procedures for foreign workers in Pakistan.
The ministry officials briefed the prime minister on the overall peace and security situation of the country and their own performance during the meeting.
The country’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, heads of security agencies and other relevant senior officials were also present on the occasion.