China has called on Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese workers involved in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) following a series of terrorist attacks in the region. The appeal was made during the fifth round of the dialogue between the foreign ministers of the two countries, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The dialogue, which discussed plans for the realignment of the Karakoram Highway connecting both countries and accelerating the progress of CPEC projects, comes after a spate of attacks targeting Chinese nationals working on CPEC projects. In March, five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani were killed in a terrorist attack on the Dasu Hydropower Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.
Wang emphasized China’s hope that Pakistan will continue to prioritize the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country. He urged Pakistan to eliminate the worries of Chinese enterprises and personnel operating in Pakistan.
In response, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to bringing the planners, financiers, and perpetrators of the Dasu Hydropower Project attack to justice. Pakistan has also reportedly established a 12,000-strong paramilitary force to protect Chinese workers involved in CPEC projects.
During the dialogue, both sides pledged to enhance pragmatic cooperation in various fields, although specific details were not provided in the Xinhua report. Wang highlighted the long-standing strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, noting Pakistan’s consistent support for China on issues concerning its core interests.
China also expressed its firm support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepen cooperation with Pakistan and support its development goals.
Addressing a joint news conference in Beijing, Dar and Wang agreed to accelerate the implementation of the ML-1 railway line project, the Gwadar Port Development, and the realignment of Phase-2 of the Karakoram Highway. They also discussed strengthening cooperation in agriculture, mining, minerals, energy, IT, and industrial sectors.
Both countries also expressed concern over the presence of terrorist entities in Afghanistan and called upon the Afghan interim government to take credible actions against such elements. They emphasized the importance of a peaceful, stable, united, safe, and secure Afghanistan for regional development and connectivity.
