Islamabad is working with Beijing to enhance security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, according to Ambassador Khalil Hashmi.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan, China, Hashmi acknowledged the ongoing security concerns stemming from separatist militant attacks targeting Chinese citizens in Balochistan province, Reuters reported.

These attacks are fuelled by the militants’ belief that China is complicit in Pakistan’s exploitation of mineral resources in the region, where China has significant investments, including a strategic port and mining interests.

Hashmi emphasized that protecting Chinese citizens is a “national responsibility” for Pakistan, and the government is actively engaged in improving security.  He detailed ongoing collaborations with China, including information sharing and the development of standard operating procedures to safeguard Chinese workers. 

He confirmed that Pakistan keeps its Chinese counterparts informed of security measures being implemented, describing the process as “a work in progress.”

Hashmi confirmed that discussions on this matter are ongoing, highlighting the high level of trust between the two countries despite the “complex security environment.” He expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to address the threat posed by terrorist groups, stating, “We have the capability to resolve, to counter and combat and defeat these terrorist forces.”

The ambassador’s comments follow China’s requests for permission to deploy its own security personnel to protect the thousands of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. This request gained urgency after a bombing at Karachi airport last October killed two Chinese engineers returning to work at a power plant.