Islamabad: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that Pakistan is setting up a special protection unit in Islamabad to enhance security for Chinese nationals, underscoring Islamabad’s commitment to safeguarding Chinese citizens and projects.
The announcement came during Naqvi’s meeting with China’s Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong in Beijing. According to a press release issued by the interior ministry, the meeting was held at the headquarters of China’s Ministry of Public Security, where Naqvi received a warm welcome.
Joint security and counterterrorism cooperation
During the talks, both sides agreed to develop a joint and rapid response system to counter terrorism. They also decided to expand training programmes aimed at improving the professional capacity of police and security personnel. In addition, the two ministers pledged to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms between police forces and relevant institutions of both countries.
Wang Xiaohong praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and improving internal security. “We appreciate Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism,” he said, according to the statement. He also expressed satisfaction over the security measures being implemented for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
Naqvi briefed his counterpart on steps taken to protect Chinese nationals and projects. “The protection of Chinese citizens and projects of mutual interest remains our top priority,” he said, adding that effective measures were already in place alongside the planned special protection unit in Islamabad.
Cybercrime and future coordination
The meeting also covered cooperation in preventing cybercrime. Naqvi said Pakistan wanted to benefit from Chinese support to enhance the capacity of the National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency, noting that Chinese artificial intelligence technologies could play a key role in countering terrorism and addressing emerging security challenges.
Both sides agreed to institutionalise cooperation by holding joint working group meetings every three months, while ministerial-level meetings will take place annually. Naqvi invited Wang to visit Pakistan and conveyed best wishes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Chinese leaders.
Wang, in turn, invited Naqvi to attend the Global Security Cooperation Forum in China in September and reiterated that Pakistan and China are strategic partners committed to cooperation at all levels.
