Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has stopped Chinese nationals from travelling in the province without armoured vehicles, Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday (May 1), citing a senior police official.

Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has stopped Chinese nationals from travelling in the province without armoured vehicles, Dawn newspaper reported on Wednesday (May 1), citing a senior police official. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in Hazara range Tahir Ayub Khan said that, even as the police were adopting all possible measures for the safety of Chinese nationals, they should not travel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without armoured vehicles. The report said that DIG Khan and other officials paid a visit to the Suki Kinari and Balakot hydropower projects. He also attended security meetings for the hydropower projects in Malkandi and Ghanool. The participants included security personnel, Chinese engineers, and managers of the two projects, the report added. Also read | Pakistan: Suicide attack hits vehicle carrying five Japanese nationals in Karachi The DIG further said that the boundary walls of residential colonies, where Chinese nationals lived, would not be less than eight feet and might be topped with barbed wires. Khan also said that the security personnel would protect the lives of the Chinese engineers by all means. The top cop's remarks came in the backdrop of five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver being killed by a suicide bomber in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 26. According to the police, a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers which was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu. The attack took place in the Shangla district’s Besham city, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. China has invested billions in infrastructure projects as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and several Chinese engineers have been working on several projects in the South Asian country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stops Chinese nationals from travelling without armoured vehicles

Amid tensions following a series of attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the media in a regular press conference on Wednesday (Mar 27), condemning the latest act of terrorism that claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver.&nbsp;

This comes as a suicide bomber in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday (Mar 26) targeted a vehicle by driving his explosive-laden car into it.&nbsp;

"We strongly condemn this act of terrorism. We express deep condolences over the lives lost and extend sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. We have previously stated our position on this incident," Lin Jian said.&nbsp;

In response to inquiries regarding the investigation and handling of the attack on the vehicle of the Dasu Hydropower Project, Lin Jian affirmed, "Immediately after the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan activated the emergency response mechanism and swiftly engaged in emergency response and close communication with Pakistan both in Beijing and Islamabad."

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China also urged Pakistan to expedite the hunt for the perpetrators, ensure justice for the victims, and enhance security measures to safeguard Chinese personnel and projects in the region.

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In turn, Pakistan committed to "a thorough joint investigation to be conducted, utilising all resources of the state" to reassure China.&nbsp;

Expressing gratitude for international solidarity, Lin Jian stated, "We have noted the condemnation on the terrorist attack and condolences over Chinese victims from some countries. This is much appreciated."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-china-firm-suspend-power-project-after-five-engineers-killed-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-attack-704829">Pakistan: China firm suspend power project after five engineers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack</a>

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Moreover, Lin Jian also reinforced the shared responsibility in combating the menace of&nbsp;terrorism.

When questioned about the upcoming visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing, Lin Jian maintained a diplomatic stance, stating, "China and Pakistan maintain sound interactions at all levels. As for the specific visit you mentioned, I have nothing to share at the moment."

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid tensions following a series of attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the media in a regular press conference on Wednesday (Mar 27), condemning the latest act of terrorism that claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver.

Amid tensions following a series of attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the media in a regular press conference on Wednesday (Mar 27), condemning the latest act of terrorism that claimed the lives of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver. This comes as a suicide bomber in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday (Mar 26) targeted a vehicle by driving his explosive-laden car into it. "We strongly condemn this act of terrorism. We express deep condolences over the lives lost and extend sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. We have previously stated our position on this incident," Lin Jian said. In response to inquiries regarding the investigation and handling of the attack on the vehicle of the Dasu Hydropower Project, Lin Jian affirmed, "Immediately after the attack, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan activated the emergency response mechanism and swiftly engaged in emergency response and close communication with Pakistan both in Beijing and Islamabad." Also Read | At least eight people killed after Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah exchange fire along border China also urged Pakistan to expedite the hunt for the perpetrators, ensure justice for the victims, and enhance security measures to safeguard Chinese personnel and projects in the region. Also Read | Protecting Palestinians a moral imperative, Pentagon chief tells Israeli Defence Minister Gallant In turn, Pakistan committed to "a thorough joint investigation to be conducted, utilising all resources of the state" to reassure China. Expressing gratitude for international solidarity, Lin Jian stated, "We have noted the condemnation on the terrorist attack and condolences over Chinese victims from some countries. This is much appreciated." Watch | Pakistan: China firm suspend power project after five engineers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attack × Moreover, Lin Jian also reinforced the shared responsibility in combating the menace of terrorism. When questioned about the upcoming visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing, Lin Jian maintained a diplomatic stance, stating, "China and Pakistan maintain sound interactions at all levels. As for the specific visit you mentioned, I have nothing to share at the moment." (With inputs from agencies)

China ‘strongly condemns’ terrorist attack on Chinese nationals in Pakistan

In the wake of a spate of attacks against the Chinese nationals living in Pakistan, officials in the capital Islamabad city have asked the foreign nationals to inform the police prior to their movement to ensure their safety, local media reports.

According to Dawn newspaper, this decision was taken during a meeting held to review the performance of the recently-established District Foreign Security Cell by Islamabad Police for the security of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals.

There are over 1,000 Chinese nationals living in the national capital engaged in over three dozen projects, companies and businesses, the Islamabad police officials were quoted as saying, adding that the Chinese attached with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project were provided security cover by security forces and paramilitary troops.

It was decided in the meeting that either Station House Officers (SHOs) of police stations, security division or patrolling unit would provide security cover to over 1,000 Chinese nationals during their movement, the officials said.

The SHOs have been tasked with collecting their details.

CCTV cameras would be installed around the residences of the Chinese nationals as well as on the roads leading to their houses, the officials said.

The official added that DIG Operations was asked to visit the residential areas where the Chinese were living and prepare a security audit report to plug loopholes in the security.

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A desk is also being established at Safe City and Police Facilitation, they added.

There has been a spate of targeted attacks against the Chinese people in Pakistan for their involvement in the CPEC project.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-pakistans-repression-to-chinese-discrimination-the-untold-story-of-balochistan-443140">&nbsp;From Pakistan's repression to Chinese discrimination: The untold story of Balochistan</a>

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group based in Pakistan’s western Balochistan province, opposes Chinese investment in Pakistan, saying local people do not benefit.

Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the wake of a spate of attacks against the Chinese nationals living in Pakistan, officials in the capital Islamabad city have asked the foreign nationals to inform the police prior to their movement to ensure their safety, local media reports.

In the wake of a spate of attacks against the Chinese nationals living in Pakistan, officials in the capital Islamabad city have asked the foreign nationals to inform the police prior to their movement to ensure their safety, local media reports. According to Dawn newspaper, this decision was taken during a meeting held to review the performance of the recently-established District Foreign Security Cell by Islamabad Police for the security of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals. There are over 1,000 Chinese nationals living in the national capital engaged in over three dozen projects, companies and businesses, the Islamabad police officials were quoted as saying, adding that the Chinese attached with the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project were provided security cover by security forces and paramilitary troops. It was decided in the meeting that either Station House Officers (SHOs) of police stations, security division or patrolling unit would provide security cover to over 1,000 Chinese nationals during their movement, the officials said. The SHOs have been tasked with collecting their details. CCTV cameras would be installed around the residences of the Chinese nationals as well as on the roads leading to their houses, the officials said. The official added that DIG Operations was asked to visit the residential areas where the Chinese were living and prepare a security audit report to plug loopholes in the security. Also read | How Pakistan, China's project turned Balochistan into land of disappeared A desk is also being established at Safe City and Police Facilitation, they added. There has been a spate of targeted attacks against the Chinese people in Pakistan for their involvement in the CPEC project. Also read | From Pakistan's repression to Chinese discrimination: The untold story of Balochistan The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group based in Pakistan’s western Balochistan province, opposes Chinese investment in Pakistan, saying local people do not benefit. Balochistan, bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is home to a long-running violent insurgency. Baloch insurgent groups have previously carried out several attacks targeting the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese nationals living in Pak asked to inform police about their movement: Report

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

Describing the $50 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a> (CPEC) as a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project.

Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose.

Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it.

Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control.

Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC</a> will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better.

The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-dead-in-pakistan-luxury-hotel-attack-military-218136">Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar</a> in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier.

The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year.

Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries".

Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC.

The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved.

"Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan. Describing the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project. Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose. Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it. Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control. Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better. The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year. Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries". Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved. "Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.

Pakistan Army to raise another division to protect CPEC projects, Chinese nationals

A Chinese national was shot in Zamzama park in&nbsp; Karachi, Pakistan by an unidentified person on Monday.

It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants.

During the incident, a passerby also got injured.

Police have begun an investigation into the matter, evidence has been collected from the site of evidence by the extra contingent of police and rangers.

Following the killing,&nbsp;reports say security has been beefed up in the area especially of&nbsp;Chinese nationals.

In 2017 two Chinese nationals were kidnapped from Jinnah area of Quetta provincial capital of Balochistan.

The presence of Chinese nationals has been increased in the past few years in Pakistan due to CPEC.

The Pakistani government has also deployed 15,000 military personnel to protect projects under the economic corridor.

(With inputs from ANI)

It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants

A Chinese national was shot in Zamzama park in Karachi, Pakistan by an unidentified person on Monday. It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants. During the incident, a passerby also got injured. Police have begun an investigation into the matter, evidence has been collected from the site of evidence by the extra contingent of police and rangers. Following the killing, reports say security has been beefed up in the area especially of Chinese nationals. In 2017 two Chinese nationals were kidnapped from Jinnah area of Quetta provincial capital of Balochistan. The presence of Chinese nationals has been increased in the past few years in Pakistan due to CPEC. The Pakistani government has also deployed 15,000 military personnel to protect projects under the economic corridor. (With inputs from ANI)

Chinese national shot dead in Karachi