After the death of two Chinese nationals in the recent bomb blast outside Karachi airport, China has decided to take strict measures for the safety of thousands of its citizens working in Pakistan. In this regard, Beijing has sent a written proposal to Islamabad, demanding the deployment of its own security agencies for the protection of Chinese citizens. After the presentation of this proposal, a new debate on internal security in Pakistan has started.
Last month, a car bomb explosion near Karachi airport claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers returning to work on a project after a holiday in Thailand. Such incidents are increasing in Pakistan and attacks on Chinese citizens have worried China. The continued rise of these attacks has increased Beijing’s anger. China has made it clear that it can do everything it can for the safety of its citizens.
According to Pakistani government and security officials, Beijing sent a detailed written proposal to Islamabad, seeking permission for the deployment of Chinese security agencies to protect Chinese citizens. This proposal also includes the provision that both countries will be able to send their military and security agencies for counter-terrorism operations and joint attacks on each other’s territory. The objective of this provision is to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and projects in Pakistan.
However, Pakistan has expressed its disagreement with this proposal. Officials say Pakistan’s security agencies are already committed to the security of China’s projects and citizens, and bringing in an external security agency could go against national sovereignty.
According to sources, Beijing and Islamabad are holding talks on security management. There appears to be an agreement between the two countries to establish a joint security management system. Pakistan is willing to allow Chinese officials to participate in security meetings and coordination work, so that the security agencies of both countries can work in better coordination.
Pakistan is yet to accept the proposal to deploy Chinese security agencies. Pakistani officials say the country’s security system and agencies are already providing security to all these projects. If Chinese agencies are introduced into Pakistan, it will not only raise questions about Pakistan’s sovereignty but also affect the regional security balance.
No official statement has yet come from Beijing and Islamabad on this matter.
