Pakistan Tightens Security on Chinese Nationals During SCO Summit Following Deadly Karachi Bombing

Pakistan is ramping up security measures for Chinese citizens during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in response to a tragic bombing that claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers in Karachi. The attack, carried out by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), has reignited concerns over the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, especially with the arrival of high-profile Chinese officials for the summit. As a result, Pakistani authorities are imposing strict restrictions on the movements of Chinese citizens to prevent further incidents and ensure the success of the summit.

A Deadly Attack Sparks Security Fears

The deadly bombing in Karachi, which took place on October 8, 2024, near the city's international airport, was the latest in a series of targeted attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan. The BLA, an ethnic insurgent group known for its violent opposition to Chinese involvement in Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan region, quickly claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has consistently accused China of exploiting local resources and has targeted Chinese nationals in previous attacks, including a high-profile suicide bombing in March 2024 that killed five Chinese engineers.

The latest attack has cast a shadow over the upcoming SCO summit, scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to attend the summit, heightening the security risks for Chinese nationals in the country.

Pakistan's Swift Response: Restricting Chinese Movements

In response to the attack, Pakistani authorities have issued an internal security alert, instructing all security agencies to limit the movements of Chinese citizens during the summit. According to three security officials and a leaked security note seen by Reuters, the restrictions will be in place from October 14 to October 17, 2024, covering the entire duration of the SCO summit and the days leading up to it.

The internal security note states: "Orders have been received from concerned authority that Chinese move of all types including intra-city/inter-city/airport etc to be ceased from 14 to 17 Oct 24 in connection with SCO summit and various delegations visit." The note further emphasizes that all security personnel must ensure that the Chinese authorities are informed of the restrictions in advance so that any important movements can be adjusted accordingly.

The Chinese embassy in Islamabad and Pakistan’s interior ministry have yet to comment publicly on the new security measures, but officials on both sides are reportedly working to ensure that the restrictions are implemented smoothly without disrupting Chinese participation in the summit.

Rising Tensions and Ongoing Threats to Chinese Nationals

The bombing in Karachi is just one of several attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan over the past four years, as the BLA and other militant groups continue to resist Beijing's influence in the region. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes a massive $65 billion investment in Pakistan's infrastructure, has been met with both optimism and hostility. While many see the BRI as a potential economic boon for Pakistan, insurgent groups like the BLA view it as an extension of foreign exploitation.

The BLA’s attacks on Chinese nationals, including the 2018 assault on China's consulate in Karachi and the frequent targeting of Chinese engineers working on projects like the Gwadar port, reflect the deep-rooted tensions between the insurgent group and the Pakistani government, which it accuses of selling out local resources to foreign powers.

The development of Gwadar port, a strategic point in the Arabian Sea, is one of the BLA’s main grievances. The group has long opposed Chinese involvement in the region, claiming that local communities are being marginalized while Chinese investors benefit from Balochistan’s natural resources. With attacks on Chinese nationals becoming more frequent, Pakistan faces the daunting task of maintaining security for its largest foreign investor while managing internal insurgency.

Beijing’s Concerns and Islamabad’s Response

Following the Karachi bombing, Beijing called on Islamabad to bolster its security measures for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The Chinese government has been consistently vocal about its concerns over the safety of its citizens, especially those working on key projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The string of attacks has prompted Beijing to pressure Islamabad to implement more stringent security protocols to protect Chinese workers and officials.

In the aftermath of the latest attack, Pakistan’s interior ministry has removed senior security officials responsible for Chinese safety in Karachi, reflecting the government’s growing frustration with repeated security lapses. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, addressing the media after the bombing, acknowledged the severity of the situation but urged the public to wait for further developments. "Let’s wait two, three days, things will be clear," Naqvi said, hinting at potential changes in security strategy.

Heightened Security During the SCO Summit

The upcoming SCO summit is a critical event for Pakistan, bringing together nine full member states, including China, India, Iran, and Russia, to discuss regional cooperation and security issues. However, the tragic loss of Chinese lives in the Karachi bombing has placed Pakistan’s security capabilities under intense scrutiny. The decision to limit Chinese movements during the summit underscores the government’s commitment to avoiding any further incidents that could jeopardize the event or harm Pakistan’s relations with China.

The summit’s success is crucial for Pakistan, not only for its diplomatic relations with SCO member states but also for maintaining the confidence of its largest foreign investor. With Chinese Premier Li Qiang expected to attend, the stakes are high, and Pakistan is determined to demonstrate its ability to protect its guests, even as it grapples with ongoing militant threats.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balance

As Pakistan prepares for the SCO summit amid heightened security concerns, the government’s decision to restrict Chinese movements is a clear sign of the gravity of the situation. The Karachi bombing has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Chinese nationals in Pakistan and the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups like the BLA. For Pakistan, the challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between safeguarding its foreign partnerships and addressing the underlying grievances that fuel insurgency.

With the SCO summit just days away, all eyes are on Islamabad as it navigates this complex and volatile situation.

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