Pakistan capable of providing full security to Chinese nationals

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan categorically stated on Thursday it is serious about providing full security to Chinese nationals, institutions and entities in Pakistan.

At the weekly media briefing, Foreigh Office Spokeswoman rubbished media reports about fresh Chinese demands in the realm of increased security efforts, saying this was being done to create confusion between two strategic partners

In this regard, Pakistan is determined, as iron brothers and strategic partners, both have the resolve and capability to foil any attempts to harm Pakistan-China relations, including by spreading stories about the nature of this relationship which is based on mutual trust, mutual confidence and mutually beneficial cooperation, she said.

“First, let’s not get carried away with speculation. I would not like to respond to media speculations that are based on unreliable sources and motivated by an agenda to create confusion about the nature of Pakistan-China relationship. We advise media to ascertain motives of individuals who are feeding them such stories”, Spokeswoman said.

She pointed to recent statement of her Chinese counterpart in Beijing. He had also pointed to attempts to undermine mutual trust and cooperation between two countries which he retreated would not succeed as Beijing would not allow any efforts or stories to derail Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership. Pakistan, pointed out Spokeswoman is serious about providing full security to Chinese nationals, institutions and entities in Pakistan.

“For that matter, we remain engaged with Chinese government, as well as Chinese companies, based in Pakistan. The SOPs on security continue to be strengthened. I will not go into details of these SOPs and the mechanisms that are devised to enhance security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan”, she said. Pakistan has raised a security force to protect CPEC projects in Pakistan and this security apparatus continues to provide security to CPEC projects inside Pakistan, she added.

To a query about Pakistan requesting China to provide assistance in improving Pakistan’s intelligence sharing and surveillance system, Spokeswoman responded she would not discuss such sensitive matters in public domain.

“Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counterterrorism and security matters. This dialogue is based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation. We will continue to engage with our Chinese friends and partners with respect to security and counterterrorism matters. With respect to any specific proposal in the domain of security and intelligence, I would not comment, given their sensitive nature”, she said.

In this regard, Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counterterrorism and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “This dialogue is based on mutual respect, mutually beneficial cooperation and respect for each other’s sovereignty. We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan”, she added.

To queries regarding India’s decision not to send their cricket team to Pakistan for Champion’s Trophy, Spokeswoman responded, “Pakistan has always said sports should not be politicised. The issues relating to holding of Champions Trophy cricket are being dealt with by Pakistan Cricket Board, and they have the lead on this”.

Spokesperson: The Pakistan Cricket Board is in contact with the International Cricket Council to discuss the arrangements, including participation of different teams at the Champions Trophy to be held next year”.

She also made it clear there is no back channel with India to specifically discuss Champions Trophy and bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India.

To a question regarding appointments being made by President-elect Donald Trump, the Spokeswoman said Pakistan does not comment on appointments of officials in other countries. “It is the prerogative of US President to make appointments in his administration. Pakistan, therefore, has no comments to offer on any names that have been floated”, she said.

“Pakistan is an old partner and friend of United States, and we consider US an old friend and partner of Pakistan. We hope going forward, this relationship will continue to prosper”, she said.

In response to the threats, including use of a knife on Pakistani defence minister in London, Spokeswoman said, “We reiterate our belief any protests shall be within the limits of decency. Use of abusive language and threats of violence are unacceptable”.

To a query regarding responsibility taken by BLA for recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, Spokeswoman stated, “I would like to underline Pakistan’s concerns about support these terror organisations receive from India, which is an established fact. A few years back, we arrested an Indian naval officer who was active in Balochistan and was mastermind of espionage and terror activities in Balochistan”, she said.

Pakistan remains concerned about the role India plays in backing these terror organisations, she said.

Meanwhile, Special Representative of President of Russian Federation on Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov called on Foreign Secretary Ms Amna Baloch. He held consultations with Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Ambassador Ahmad Naseem Warraich.

“Both sides reviewed situation in Afghanistan and discussed role of neighbouring countries in promoting regional peace and stability”, said a statement from Foreign Office. They also exchanged views on relations with Afghanistan and called for enhanced coordination among regional countries for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, statement said. “The two sides agreed to remain engaged”, statement added.