‘Chinese nationals get foolproof security in Pakistan’

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi has said the government is providing foolproof security to the Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan.

The minister made this statement during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing who called on him.

Both the officials also agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties in the field of security.

Shehryar Afridi said China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) project was a game-changer and would bring progress and prosperity in the region, adding other countries of the world should also become its part.

The minister said police reforms, as introduced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, would also be implemented in the federal capital.

He was of the view that adoption and familiarization with latest technology was need of the hour to compete in the contemporary era. The ambassador felicitated Shehryar Afridi for assuming charge as Minister of State for Interior.

In April 2015, China had announced mega development projects in Pakistan worth $46-billion under CPEC project, which focuses on road building and energy infrastructure to end chronic power shortages in Pakistan and to link China’s landlocked north-west with the deep-water port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.

The plan, which would eclipse U.S. spending in Pakistan over the last decade or so, is part of China’s aim to forge “Silk Road” land and sea ties to markets in the Middle East and Europe.

The two sides had also agreed to strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space and maritime technology, counter-terrorism and defense.

Meanwhile China will also expand industrial capacity cooperation in diverse sectors including chemical, pharmaceutical, engineering, agro, iron and steel. The two countries will also increase exploration and development of resources.

Under CPEC, a number of new economic zones will be created along the corridor.