Pakistan prioritizes Chinese citizens’ safety as CPEC enters second phase: PM Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that the government was building a safe and business-friendly environment for the Chinese community in Pakistan.
“The confidence of Chinese companies in the Pakistani economy is extremely important for our economic future,” the prime minister said while chairing a meeting regarding security arrangements for Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
He stated that multiple measures were being taken to enhance the security of Chinese nationals across the country, including in Islamabad.
The prime minister said that the Safe City projects were an excellent example of this increasing capacity. He added that Safe City projects were being built across the country as per the international standards.
“China is our friendly country,” said the prime minister stressing that the protection of Chinese brothers was the top priority of the government.
He said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a highly important joint project between the two countries which had now entered its second phase, where business-to-business cooperation will be prioritized between the two countries. In the light of the development of CPEC, the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan had gained even greater importance, the prime minister stressed.
He directed that measures be taken on a priority basis at all airports across the country to facilitate the arrival and departure of Chinese nationals. During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the progress of special security arrangements for Chinese nationals throughout the country.
The interior minister informed the prime minister about the security arrangements being implemented nationwide.
In the briefing, it was stated that in light of potential terrorist threats, special security arrangements for Chinese nationals had been enforced. The federal government and all provinces are working in full cooperation on this matter, the briefing highlighted adding that safe city projects were under construction across the country.
Chinese nationals are being provided with security escort facilities for travel, the prime minister was told.
The meeting was also informed that all new housing projects will be equipped with cameras that meet Safe City standards.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister, while addressing the 52nd Commons Batch of Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) during his visit to the National Police Academy (NPA) here, called upon the young police officers to uphold justice and protect the lives and properties of the people. “This Academy must become the cornerstone of a civilized society,” he said.
He announced a comprehensive overhaul of the institution, aligning it with the standards of the Pakistan Military Academy.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the ‘Raising the Standard: NPA Tactical Firing Range and Elite Police Training Facility’, a state-of-the-art complex designed to provide hands-on tactical training to police officers.
He also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the new ASP Hostel, aimed at providing modern residential facilities for trainee officers.
The Prime Minister outlined a bold vision for the Academy’s revival, announcing the launch of a Master’s Degree Program for trainees and the establishment of a 25-acre state-of-the-art campus. A new elite training school, complete with a modern firing range, will also be built. Collaboration with international partners, including China and the United Nations, is planned to upgrade training standards.
“We aim to equip our officers not only with weapons but also with modern technology and critical thinking. From hostels to classrooms, the entire structure will be refurbished,” said the Prime Minister.
He also announced training exchanges and pledged that foreign trainees would once again be welcomed.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, PM Shehbaz highlighted his contributions to national security, including the establishment of the Elite Force, the Safe City Project, Punjab Forensic Science Agency, and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).
“Merit has always been the cornerstone of my administration. I suspended senior officers for bypassing recruitment protocols, such is the importance of integrity,” he added.
He paid tribute to martyred officers, including those who lost their lives in flood relief efforts and recent incidents such as the Jhelum martyrdom, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the police for national security.
“These officers embrace martyrdom to protect millions. Their sacrifice is the highest honour,” the PM said.
He praised the leadership of police institutions, including trainers and course commanders, and encouraged enhancement of the Gilgit-Baltistan quota. He assured full federal support, directing the Interior Minister to fast-track reforms.
Earlier, welcoming the Prime Minister, Interior Minister Senator Mohsin Raza Naqvi delivered opening remarks, acknowledging the Academy’s previous state of disrepair, where it functioned with no staff and a single dumping station passed off as the facility. “It was a skeleton of what it should be,” said Senator Naqvi, “but under the vision of the Prime Minister, we are determined to rebuild it into a premier institution.”
Naqvi reiterated the government’s commitment to monitoring the Academy closely and ensuring that trainees receive the highest standard of instruction. “We want to make this a hub for police excellence from academics to field readiness.”
Ministers Talal Chaudhary and Attaullah Tarar, Commandant NPA Idress Ahmed, IG Islamabad, Commissioner Islamabad, and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.