Pakistan Committed to Safe, Investor-Friendly Environment for Chinese Nationals, Says PM

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged robust security and a business-friendly climate for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, placing their safety at the forefront amid the expansion of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Enhanced measures—including Safe City projects and streamlined airport facilitation—are designed to boost investor confidence and strengthen bilateral ties.

In a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the critical importance of protecting Chinese citizens, describing China as a “friendly country” and a vital partner in Pakistan’s economic future. He stated that “the confidence of Chinese companies in the Pakistani economy is extremely important,” highlighting the second phase of CPEC, which focuses on business-to-business cooperation. The government is implementing comprehensive security measures, including escort services for Chinese nationals, mandatory surveillance cameras in new residential developments built to Safe City standards, and expedited processing at airports to ease travel for Chinese visitors.

Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi briefed the prime minister on nationwide efforts to counter terrorism threats and emphasized full cooperation between federal and provincial authorities. These initiatives are a direct response to recent militant attacks targeting Chinese nationals, which have raised concerns about their safety. Past incidents include a suicide bombing near Karachi airport that killed two Chinese engineers and a separate March attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver.

In response, Prime Minister Sharif has vowed to implement foolproof security measures for Chinese nationals and their families working in Pakistan. He has also begun chairing monthly meetings to personally oversee and review all security arrangements for Chinese citizens involved in CPEC and related projects.

The nationwide deployment of Safe City projects, featuring advanced surveillance systems and AI-enabled technology, has been established as a key component of the government’s broader security strategy.

Since 2005, China has invested nearly USD 68 billion in Pakistan, with a significant share allocated to energy and infrastructure under CPEC. These investments underscore the strategic importance of Chinese economic engagement and the need for sustained protection of foreign nationals.

Pakistan’s commitment to a secure and investor-friendly environment reflects the strategic depth of its partnership with China, a relationship rooted in decades of economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation. As CPEC progresses into its second phase, emphasizing industrialization, technology transfer, and private-sector collaboration, the safety of Chinese nationals remains essential to maintaining investor trust and ensuring long-term economic growth.