Pakistan is currently investigating a tragic incident in Karachi, where two Chinese citizens lost their lives during an attack. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge the South Asian nation faces in combating rising militancy that specifically targets its crucial economic partner, China.
The attack was aimed at a security convoy transporting Chinese workers associated with the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, located near Karachi’s airport. The Chinese embassy in Pakistan confirmed the details of the attack in an official statement, emphasizing the need for heightened security for its nationals.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and made a public commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. This pledge reflects the importance of safeguarding foreign workers, particularly those involved in significant economic projects.
Currently, around 2,500 Chinese nationals are working on various initiatives across Pakistan, from infrastructure development to energy projects, as part of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. However, the rising threat of militant attacks poses a serious challenge to these efforts.
Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies indicates a staggering 47% increase in militant attacks this year, with a total of 717 incidents reported by September. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of 834 individuals, underscoring the severity of the security situation in the country.
Earlier this year, five Chinese nationals were killed in a separate attack in Pakistan’s northwest region, which the government attributed to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, a faction linked to Afghanistan’s Taliban. The latest attack has been claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army, a militant group opposing security forces in the region.
In light of these events, China has urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and take necessary measures to protect its citizens and ongoing projects. The Chinese embassy’s statement reflects the growing concern over the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan.
The timing of this attack is particularly critical, as it occurs just one week before Pakistan is set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad. This summit, led by China, includes key players such as Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, making it an important diplomatic event for the region.
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India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to attend the summit, marking the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan since 2015. This high-level engagement further emphasizes the significance of stability in the region.
These ongoing security challenges are complicating the Sharif government’s efforts to revitalize Pakistan’s economy, particularly in light of a recently secured three-year $7 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. The impact of militant violence on economic recovery efforts remains a pressing concern for the government.
