PM Shehbaz: Pakistan Safe, Open for Chinese Investors with enhanced security, CPEC reforms, and strategic steps to ensure investor protection.
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to creating a safe and business-friendly environment for the Chinese community in Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of mutual trust and strategic cooperation between both countries. Speaking at a high-level meeting on national security measures for Chinese nationals on Tuesday, the prime minister said the government is implementing robust initiatives to ensure the safety and operational confidence of Chinese firms and citizens residing and working in Pakistan. Within the first 100 words of his remarks, PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of fostering a secure and business-friendly environment for Chinese nationals, particularly in view of the growing economic ties under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
PM Shehbaz: Pakistan Safe Open for Chinese Investors as Safe City Projects Boost Security Infrastructure
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz pointed to the Safe City projects as a testament to Pakistan’s improved surveillance and monitoring capabilities. These projects are being developed across major cities in Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar, and are modeled on international standards to address urban security challenges effectively. The Safe City initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Interior in collaboration with provincial authorities, includes advanced facial recognition systems, high-resolution CCTV installations, AI-based threat detection, and integration with law enforcement agencies. These projects are aimed at enhancing real-time situational awareness and response times during emergencies. According to official sources, new housing and development schemes across the country will now be required to incorporate surveillance technologies that align with Safe City specifications, ensuring consistent monitoring of high-risk areas.
Chinese Nationals to Receive Priority Security at Airports and Transit Points
PM Shehbaz directed that all international airports in Pakistan, including Islamabad International Airport, Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport, and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, prioritize the arrival and departure security protocols for Chinese nationals. According to the Ministry of Interior, additional counters and immigration support systems are being deployed for Chinese citizens to facilitate smoother entry and exit processes. Enhanced coordination between the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), and airport security forces has also been established.
Escorted Travel and Residential Security for Chinese Personnel
In light of increased terrorist threats and regional instability, Chinese engineers, executives, and workers involved in CPEC and other bilateral projects are now provided with dedicated security escort services during their transit across Pakistan. Sources from the Ministry of Interior confirmed that these security measures include armored vehicles, specially trained police units, and 24/7 surveillance coordination centers. Residential areas housing Chinese nationals, particularly in Gwadar, Lahore, and Islamabad, are under round-the-clock protection.
CPEC Enters Second Phase: Focus on Business-to-Business Cooperation
PM Shehbaz emphasized that as CPEC enters its second phase, there will be a shift toward business-to-business (B2B) partnerships in sectors such as agriculture, energy, information technology, and manufacturing. This transition marks a significant evolution from infrastructure-based cooperation to economic diversification and investment-driven partnerships. According to the CPEC Authority, the second phase includes: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Collaboration in high-tech industrial manufacturing. Joint ventures in energy transition technologies such as solar and wind power. Skill development and vocational training programs for workforce integration.
Coordinated Efforts Between Federal and Provincial Authorities
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi briefed the prime minister on nationwide security protocols. The minister stated that inter-agency collaboration between the federal government and all provinces has been enhanced to enforce uniform security procedures for Chinese nationals. Provincial governments have deployed dedicated Chinese Protection Units (CPUs), comprising police, paramilitary, and special forces personnel trained specifically for diplomatic and foreign citizen security. This integrated response is supported by federal intelligence agencies to preempt any threats against Chinese interests in the country.
Mandatory Security Protocols for New Projects and Investments
To ensure long-term safety, the Pakistani government has mandated that all upcoming infrastructure, residential, and industrial projects involving Chinese stakeholders must incorporate security frameworks from the design stage. The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and Ministry of Planning and Development have been instructed to work with project developers to meet these criteria. This includes: CCTV coverage compliant with Safe City specifications. Biometric access control systems. On-site trained security personnel. Emergency evacuation and alert systems. These protocols are to be verified by inspection teams from relevant ministries before operational licenses are issued.
Pakistan-China Relations: A Strategic Economic and Diplomatic Partnership
China remains Pakistan’s largest investor and a strategic development partner. According to the Board of Investment (BOI), Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan crossed $1.57 billion in 2024, driven by renewable energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that maintaining a safe environment for Chinese nationals is essential not only for security but for sustaining long-term economic cooperation under regional and global scrutiny. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad has previously emphasized the importance of robust security measures and continues to liaise with Pakistani authorities to ensure bilateral projects progress smoothly.
Prime Minister’s Call to Action: Immediate Implementation
At the conclusion of the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif issued clear directives for immediate and prioritized implementation of all discussed measures. Ministries were tasked with submitting monthly progress reports to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), while law enforcement agencies are to maintain real-time operational logs on security activities involving Chinese nationals. PM Shehbaz also announced the establishment of a Joint Security Coordination Cell that will include representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provincial governments, and the Chinese diplomatic mission.
Final Word: PM Shehbaz: Pakistan Safe Open for Chinese Investors
The Prime Minister’s assurance of a safe and business-friendly environment for Chinese in Pakistan is a strategic move aimed at consolidating bilateral economic relations. As CPEC enters a new phase of B2B cooperation, and Chinese investments continue to expand across critical sectors, Pakistan’s multi-tiered approach to securing Chinese lives, assets, and business interests reflects the seriousness of its commitment. With Safe City projects, specialized protection units, upgraded airport protocols, and mandatory security in all new Chinese-linked developments, Pakistan is aligning its internal systems to match global standards and expectations. This enhanced environment not only safeguards foreign stakeholders but also boosts Pakistan’s standing as a secure investment destination in the region.
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