Beijing is urging Pakistan to allow Chinese security personnel to protect its citizens working in the country, especially after a recent car bombing in Karachi that killed two Chinese engineers. This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence targeting Chinese interests in Pakistan. According to sources familiar with the talks, China has proposed sending its own security staff to safeguard its nationals, but Pakistan has not agreed to this. However, the two countries are discussing a joint security management system and the possibility of Chinese officials participating in security coordination meetings. Pakistan has requested China’s help in improving intelligence and surveillance capabilities instead of direct involvement in on-the-ground security.
The bombing in Karachi, which involved a truck carrying explosives, highlighted serious security lapses, with the attackers potentially receiving insider help. The Chinese engineers were returning to work on a power plant linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Despite publicly supporting Pakistan’s security measures, China has privately expressed frustration, citing Pakistan’s failure to implement agreed security protocols. Currently, Chinese security personnel are only allowed at the embassy and consulates, while Pakistani forces handle the protection of Chinese nationals.
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