On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) dismissed reports suggesting that China is pressuring Pakistan to join its security efforts within Pakistan, labeling such claims as “speculations… driven by an agenda to create confusion.” The FO spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, addressed the reports amid rising security concerns, noting that the recent remarks by China’s envoy about attacks in Pakistan were “perplexing.”
Earlier this week, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated Beijing’s support for Pakistan in combating terrorism. Lin Jian affirmed that both countries are committed to safeguarding their alliance and will take measures against any threats to China-Pakistan relations.
Responding to questions at a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Baloch emphasized: “We do not respond to media speculation based on unreliable sources or aimed at creating confusion about our relationship. We urge the media to examine the motives of those promoting such stories.”
She further added that efforts to disrupt the Pakistan-China strategic partnership would not succeed. Two major incidents this year have raised security concerns: a March blast in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killed five Chinese nationals, and a recent blast near Karachi’s airport resulted in the deaths of two Chinese citizens.
A recent report, quoting “five Pakistani security and government sources,” claimed that China has been pressing Pakistan to allow Chinese security personnel to protect thousands of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. However, neither Beijing nor Islamabad has officially confirmed these talks, and requests for comment from Pakistan’s interior and planning ministries remain unanswered. The report also referred to a “written proposal from Beijing to Islamabad.”
Echoing the stance of her Chinese counterpart, Baloch reiterated that both countries are resolute in thwarting any attempts to strain China-Pakistan ties through misinformation. She emphasized that Pakistan and China maintain strong dialogue and collaborate on multiple fronts, including counterterrorism and the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. This partnership is grounded in mutual respect and shared benefits.
“We will continue working with our Chinese counterparts to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan,” Baloch added. Quoting her Chinese counterpart, she affirmed: “Attempts to undermine the trust and cooperation between Pakistan and China will not prevail.”
