Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Requires Chinese Nationals to Travel with Armored Vehicles

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has taken a significant step to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals within the province by prohibiting them from traveling without armored vehicles. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident on March 26, where five Chinese nationals working on a dam construction site were killed along with their driver.

Hazara range deputy inspector general (DIG) of police Tahir Ayub Khan emphasized the importance of these measures in protecting Chinese nationals, stating that they should not travel within the province without armored vehicles as per the government’s directives.

The security concerns have escalated following a suicide bombing targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers engaged in a dam project in northwest Pakistan, resulting in the loss of six lives. This attack, along with previous incidents targeting Chinese interests in the region, has raised alarms about the safety of Chinese projects in Pakistan.

In response to these threats, Chinese nationals have been advised to restrict their movements to their hotels, and projects not using bulletproof vehicles will be halted until necessary security measures are implemented.

The authorities are actively working to enhance security arrangements for Chinese projects, with the DIG visiting hydropower project sites to discuss and implement stringent security measures. The safety of Chinese engineers and workers is a top priority, with plans to fortify residential colonies and ensure round-the-clock protection.

The recent appointment of Tahir Ayub Khan as the DIG underscores the government’s commitment to addressing security concerns and safeguarding foreign nationals in the region. As tensions remain high, proactive measures are being taken to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of all individuals involved in Chinese projects in Pakistan.