Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Friday that the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan is paramount and a top priority for the government.
The pledge comes as Pakistan seeks to stabilize its economy through foreign direct investment and strengthen ties with Beijing. Ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel is critical for the continued success of bilateral trade and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the Pakistan‑China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare B2B Investment Conference in Islamabad, Sharif said the necessity of safeguarding foreign nationals is critical. "I would like to say with fullest force at my command that the security of Chinese brothers and sisters in Pakistan is paramount for us, it is most important," Sharif said. He said that the government will "leave no stone unturned" to provide the best possible security.
The conference served as a backdrop for significant economic cooperation in the healthcare sector. During the event, Pakistani and Chinese pharmaceutical companies signed nine [1] agreements. These deals are valued at $440 million [1].
Sharif said that providing a secure environment is essential for investors to operate without fear. The Prime Minister said that the state is committed to enhancing security measures to protect those contributing to the nation's development.
This commitment to security accompanies the strategic shift toward pharmaceutical self-sufficiency and healthcare modernization. By attracting Chinese expertise and capital, Pakistan aims to reduce its reliance on expensive imports, and improve the accessibility of medicine for its population.
“The security of Chinese brothers and sisters in Pakistan is paramount for us.”
The emphasis on 'paramount' security highlights the fragility of investor confidence in Pakistan following previous attacks on Chinese nationals. By linking security pledges directly to the signing of $440 million in healthcare deals, the administration is attempting to signal that economic growth and national security are inextricably linked, aiming to prevent capital flight and encourage further Chinese investment in non-infrastructure sectors.
