Pakistani authorities have imposed movement restrictions on Chinese citizens during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit due to heightened security risks from militant groups. The decision follows the recent killing of two Chinese engineers in a bombing near Karachi’s international airport, claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), according to security officials and an internal security alert.
The SCO summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16 in Islamabad, will bring together nine member countries, including China, India, Iran, and Russia. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to arrive in the city ahead of the meeting.
Movement Restrictions For Safety
An internal security note shared with several Pakistani security agencies outlined the decision to curb Chinese movements within Pakistan from October 14 to 17. This restriction applies to all types of movements, including intra-city, intercity, and airport travel, during the summit.
The alert, seen by Reuters, stated, “Orders have been received from the concerned authority that Chinese movement of all types… is to be ceased in connection with the SCO summit.” Security officials confirmed that Chinese authorities had been informed of the restrictions in advance to allow them to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Rising Attacks On Chinese Nationals
The recent bombing is part of a series of attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan over the last four years. In March, a suicide bombing killed five Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project. The BLA, the main ethnic insurgent group in the region, has claimed responsibility for several of these attacks, accusing China of aiding Islamabad in exploiting local resources, including through projects like the strategic port of Gwadar.
The port development is a significant component of Beijing’s $65 billion investment under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing infrastructure and economic ties between the two countries.
Calls For Enhanced Security Measures
China has repeatedly urged Pakistan to implement more stringent security measures to protect its citizens. Following the latest attack, senior staff responsible for Chinese security in Karachi were reportedly removed from their positions due to the security lapse. Pakistan’s interior ministry, which oversees the security of Chinese nationals and their projects, has not commented on the incident.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addressed the issue during a press conference in Islamabad, stating, “Let’s wait two, three days; things will be clear,” when questioned about the security failure.
With tensions high and security tightened, both countries are working to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals during the high-profile SCO summit.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
){kind=link}