Concern over security for Chinese nationals

Ministry of Interior directed Punjab Home Department to ensure Chinese nationals travel in bulletproof vehicles

By Sher Ali Khalti
March 15, 2025
Chinese workers pose for a picture with Pakistani soldiers in Gwadar port. — AFP/File
Chinese workers pose for a picture with Pakistani soldiers in Gwadar port. — AFP/File

LAHORE: The News has learnt that only 83 bulletproof vehicles are available for 2,115 Chinese nationals in Punjab, raising concerns over compliance with security directives.

The Ministry of Interior had directed the Punjab Home Department to ensure that all Chinese nationals travel in bulletproof vehicles. However, sources within the Home Department reveal that while 313 Chinese workers engaged in six CPEC projects in Punjab are using bulletproof vehicles, the majority around 1,800 Chinese working on non-CPEC projects or visiting as tourists lack such security measures.

A senior official from the Home Department acknowledged the challenge, stating: “It is very difficult to arrange bulletproof vehicles for every Chinese national.

Those working on CPEC projects have access to them, but non-CPEC workers and tourists often cannot afford or are reluctant to use them.”