Two Pakistani militants involved in the deadly 2021 attack that killed nine Chinese engineers were shot dead in a shootout in Sahiwal district, central Pakistan, on Friday. The militants, who had been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, were being transported out of prison due to a security threat when the incident occurred, according to counter-terrorism officials.
Details Of The Shootout
The militants were part of a group of five being moved in a police van when unknown attackers ambushed the convoy. A crossfire ensued between the police and the attackers, resulting in the deaths of two of the militants. Authorities identified the deceased as key planners behind the 2021 attack near a hydropower plant in Dadu, northern Pakistan. The incident killed 13 people, including nine Chinese engineers who were working on the project.
The 2021 attack targeted Chinese nationals engaged in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure initiative that has faced multiple security challenges due to its high-profile nature and involvement of foreign nationals.
Heightened Security Ahead Of SCO Summit
The shootout took place just days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, scheduled to be held in Islamabad on October 15-16. In response to the recent violence, security has been heightened across major Pakistani cities, particularly the capital. Authorities have implemented strict measures to restrict the movement of Chinese nationals during the summit to mitigate potential risks.
The heightened alert reflects ongoing security concerns faced by Chinese nationals in Pakistan, who have been targeted in several high-profile attacks in recent years. These incidents are often attributed to separatist groups and militants who oppose foreign investments in the region.
Broader Security Concerns And Recent Attacks
The shootout occurred within hours of a separate attack in Balochistan province that left over 20 miners dead. Balochistan is a hotspot for separatist militant groups, including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which has frequently targeted Chinese nationals and CPEC projects as part of its opposition to foreign investments perceived as exploiting local resources.
Militant groups like the BLA have been vocal about their resistance to the CPEC initiative and have carried out numerous attacks to disrupt the project and harm Chinese interests in the region. The BLA and other separatist groups have also used these attacks to gain international attention for their cause.
Implications For China-Pakistan Relations
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety of Chinese workers and projects in Pakistan. Attacks targeting Chinese nationals have strained diplomatic relations, prompting both countries to increase security cooperation and take measures to protect strategic projects.
With the SCO summit approaching, Pakistani security forces are under pressure to prevent any further incidents that could impact the event or Pakistan’s international standing. The government’s decision to restrict the movement of Chinese nationals during the summit indicates the severity of the threat and the need to ensure the safety of its strategic partners.
The recent developments underscore the need for stronger counter-terrorism measures and a comprehensive strategy to address the root causes of militancy and separatism in the region.
(With inputs from Reuters)
