Asif Khurshid
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming official visit to China, intended to strengthen the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is clouded by concerns following two recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals. One attack near Besham city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province resulted in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver en route to the Dasu hydroelectric dam project site. Another attack was thwarted in Gwadar, Balochistan, where armed assailants affiliated with the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) targeted the Gwadar Port Authority complex, vital for CPEC. These incidents raise security apprehensions ahead of Sharif’s visit. Recent attacks targeting Chinese interests have underscored escalating security concerns surrounding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan swiftly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the safety of Chinese nationals and projects. High-ranking Pakistani officials, including the Prime Minister and federal ministers, along with religious figures like Molana Fazal ur Rehman, visited the Chinese Embassy to express condolences and pledge to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Pakistani Foreign Office reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism, attributing the attack to enemies of Pakistan-China friendship and pledging support for China. Conversely, China strongly condemned the attack, urging Pakistan to swiftly investigate and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and CPEC projects. China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan in fighting terrorism and safeguarding their partnership and shared projects like CPEC. During Shehbaz’s visit, security threats are likely to be a key focus, underscoring the delicate balance between economic cooperation and security in the Pakistan-China relationship. Despite recent incidents, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to providing high-level security for Chinese workers involved in the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Minister Ahsan Iqbal assured the Chinese Ambassador of extensive efforts to safeguard personnel. Both sides committed to accelerating CPEC’s second phase and forming a working group for various corridors, including Job Creation, Innovation, Green Energy, and Regional Development. Discussions emphasized a strategic approach to maximize the success of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), with proposals for knowledge exchange visits and collaboration with Chinese provinces and industry groups. The importance of enhancing regional connectivity through projects like Gwadar Port and the M-8 motorway was highlighted to strengthen trade links and regional integration. Despite security risks, Pakistan affirmed its determination to maintain uninterrupted progress on CPEC projects, recognizing security as vital for development. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) faces a multitude of internal and external security threats, posing challenges to its successful implementation. Internally, insurgent groups and ethnic based separatist movements in the Balochistan have targeted CPEC infrastructure projects, aiming to disrupt operations and undermine the stability of the region. Externally, the geopolitical rivalry between India and Pakistan poses a significant threat, with India viewing CPEC as a strategic encroachment by China into South Asia. This rivalry could manifest in covert operations or proxy conflicts aimed at destabilizing CPEC projects. Moreover, the volatile security situation in Afghanistan poses risks of spillover effects, as terrorist organizations like TTP, IS-K and other different extremist group are exploiting the porous borders to launch attacks on CPEC installations or personnel. Addressing these multifaceted security challenges requires robust cooperation between China, Pakistan, and regional stakeholders, along with comprehensive security measures and diplomatic efforts to mitigate risks and safeguard the viability of CPEC. The strategic importance of CPEC, as a flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), makes it a prime target for such extremist factions seeking to disrupt regional stability and undermine bilateral relations between China and Pakistan. As the corridor traverses’ diverse terrains and regions, it becomes imperative for both countries to enhance security measures and collaboration to mitigate these threats and ensure the smooth progression of CPEC projects. To effectively address security challenges within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multifaceted strategy is imperative. Establishing a dedicated CPEC Security Force, comprising army, police, paramilitary forces, and private security, is crucial for safeguarding Chinese personnel and assets from terrorist threats and kidnappings. Additionally, legislative measures should empower PEMRA to regulate negative reporting on CPEC in electronic media, while airing programs to counter misinformation and propaganda. The print media can contribute by establishing development cells to regularly report on CPEC projects. Strengthening people-to-people interactions is vital; encouraging Chinese language learning among students and facilitating university partnerships for exchanges and scholarships can foster closer ties. Cultural exchanges through various mediums like TV, movies, literature, and cultural troupes can bridge cultural gaps and enhance mutual understanding. By implementing these measures, Pakistan can bolster security and ensure the success and sustainability of the CPEC initiative.