APD | There is no threat or risk to Chinese projects or Chinese nationals in Pakistan

Ms. NAFISA SHAH is a Pakistani politician who has been a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, since August 2018.Previously, she was member of the National Assembly from March 2008 to May 2018.She has doctorate in Social and Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oxford.She has also served as Nazim of District Khairpur from 2001 to 2007. Here are some of Ms. NAFISA SHAH's thoughts on the security situation of Chinese investment projects in Pakistan.

Ms. NAFISA SHAH opined that my party (PPP) leadership has a rich history of outstanding relationship during their tenure.Either it was late Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, or Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto and then President Asif Ali Zardari, and now Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (current Foreign Minister). We have seen some trouble in past related to the security of Chinese projects in Pakistan and attacks on some civilians as well.We are very much concerned on it.There are certain proofs of foreign involvements in such incidents. Now, with the help of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) the situation is in total control and every concrete effort is being done to ensure the safety for this.

As said before, Pakistani government and people they have very friendly and close ties and a there is a great sense of brotherhood and friendship among people of two nations.For Chinese projects, Pakistan is determined to complete all projects as it is a win-win position for both countries.Overall, there is no threat or risk to Chinese projects or Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

Ms. NAFISA SHAH was of the view that, “In total, security situation is satisfactory. There are some incidents in the areas bordering with Afghanistan, where situation is under control now.Pakistan is a big and vast country and the LEAs of Pakistan are fully capable of handling and counter any kind of militancy and violence.”

She said that Pakistan has already increased the measure for the protection of all Chinese workers and nationals living and working in Pakistan. A special unit of Pak Army is looking after the security arrangements of Chinese projects. To increase the further level of trust to understand the forces behind attacks and such activities to sabotage the Pak China relations is very important. We have enhanced and strengthen our cooperation with Chinese side as well and working closely for protection of China security in Pakistan.