Beijing is urging Pakistan to allow Chinese security personnel to protect the thousands of Chinese nationals working in the country, following a recent car bombing in Karachi that raised concerns over security. The bombing last month killed two Chinese engineers and marked the latest in a series of attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan. These incidents, coupled with Islamabad’s inability to prevent them, have led to growing frustration in China, which is now pressing Pakistan to begin formal talks on a joint security management system.

Sources familiar with the confidential discussions revealed that China proposed allowing its own security staff in Pakistan and suggested joint security operations, including the possibility of deploying forces to assist with counter-terrorism efforts. However, Pakistani officials have so far resisted such proposals. While Pakistan is open to Chinese participation in security coordination meetings, they have not agreed to allow Chinese personnel to be directly involved in on-the-ground security operations.

Pakistan has instead requested Chinese assistance in enhancing intelligence and surveillance capabilities rather than direct involvement. Chinese officials have not confirmed the talks but reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.

The Karachi bombing, in which a truck packed with explosives breached airport security before targeting the Chinese engineers, has sparked further concerns. Pakistani officials acknowledge it as a significant security failure, especially since it occurred just before a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Investigators suspect that the attackers had inside information regarding the engineers’ schedule.

China has expressed increasing frustration over Pakistan’s inability to follow agreed security protocols. Chinese nationals, especially in Balochistan, have become targets of separatist militants who oppose China’s involvement in local mining projects. While Pakistan deploys thousands of security officers to protect Chinese workers, only Chinese embassy and consulate officials are permitted to have Chinese security staff in Pakistan.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters file