Islamabad: On Sunday (22 August), Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong met with Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid in order to discuss the protective measures of Chinese nationals, and how stronger security protocols would be required in order to ensure their wellbeing in the country. Additionally, similar parameters needed to be drawn for the Chinese companies currently operational in the country as well.
“No one can become a hurdle in the relations and joint ventures between Pakistan and China,” stated Sheikh Rashid.
The recent attacks on Chinese nationals had been a major concern for both parties; according to sources, a car containing several Chinese nationals, including Chinese engineers, was attacked on 28th July in Karachi; the passengers had been severely injured. The previous attack on the bus that had killed 9 Chinese workers near the Dasu hydropower plant on 14th July had been another troubling incident, and both occurrences taking place within a span of 2 weeks of each other pointed towards an external agenda set out to damage relations between the two countries.
However, Sheikh Rashid and Nong Rong both agreed upon not letting terrorists and other extroversive parties harm or impair Sino-Pak relations and their operational progress.
During the meeting, both sides also discussed the dynamics of Sino-Pak relations; they reviewed what developments they were moving forward with currently and how to further enhance these prospects in order to benefit both countries.
Furthermore, Sheikh Rashid added that the changing situation of Afghanistan had changed the region’s state of affairs; as neighboring countries, it was imperative for Pakistan to help maintain peace in Afghanistan. It was ready to assist all those citizens wanting to leave Afghanistan. He also stated that a settled situation in the neighboring country would not only benefit Pakistan but the entire international community as well.
Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong discussed the progress of several Chinese companies working on several projects within Pakistan and expressed his appreciation towards the government for providing Chinese nationals and companies with the facilities to excel in these ventures.
