Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab province in Pakistan, stated on Friday that Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan often show reluctance to adhere to security protocols, following a recent suicide bombing incident that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers among others in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
During her inaugural Apex Committee meeting in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz remarked that Chinese residents in Pakistan express resentment when asked to comply with security measures, displaying a lack of willingness to adhere to disciplinary guidelines.
Despite the reported reluctance of Chinese nationals, Maryam Nawaz assured her government's commitment to ensuring comprehensive security for Chinese citizens involved in development projects within Punjab province. The meeting, attended by high-ranking military officials including Corps Commander Lahore Lt Gen Syed Aamer Raza, also condemned the attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham.
Last week's suicide bombing targeted a bus transporting Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Maryam Nawaz emphasized the evolving nature of terrorism, highlighting the digitalization of terrorist activities and the use of sophisticated weapons acquired from Afghanistan, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, Maryam Nawaz underscored the influence of social media in the radicalization and recruitment of youth by terrorist organizations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed security agencies to enhance security measures for Chinese nationals engaged in various projects across Pakistan, personally overseeing efforts to ensure their safety.
Sharif reiterated the nation's ongoing commitment to combat terrorism until its complete elimination, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Chinese citizens and maintaining overall security across the country.
