On January 7, 2026, during high-level talks in Beijing, Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the establishment of a new special protection unit in Islamabad dedicated solely to safeguarding Chinese citizens. This move underscores Pakistan's commitment to securing Chinese personnel and projects amid persistent terrorist threats. Analysts note it arrives at a challenging moment for China-Pakistan relations, with some viewing the unit as largely symbolic given resource constraints. Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (January 8, 2026).
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Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi made headlines this week with the announcement of a dedicated special police unit in Islamabad focused entirely on protecting Chinese nationals from terrorist attacks.
Speaking in Beijing, Naqvi declared: “The protection of Chinese citizens and projects of mutual interest remains our top priority.” The statement, delivered on Chinese soil, might strike some Pakistanis as a revealing glimpse into current national priorities, especially against the backdrop of domestic security challenges.
Chinese Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong responded warmly, praising Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and pledging closer cooperation. The two sides agreed to develop joint training programs, build a rapid-response system for terrorist incidents, and strengthen information sharing between law enforcement agencies.
The initiative reflects the deep economic ties binding the two nations, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Launched in 2015 with an estimated $62 billion in projects, CPEC has brought thousands of Chinese workers and executives to Pakistan—but also made them high-profile targets.
Islamist militants and Baloch separatists have repeatedly attacked Chinese interests, viewing them as symbols of external influence and exploitation. Since 2021 alone, attacks have claimed the lives of 20 Chinese nationals and injured 34 others, according to reports.
Pakistan has responded before: deploying an army brigade to restive Balochistan and forming a 15,000-strong Special Security Division in 2017 specifically for CPEC protection. Yet Beijing has continued to press for stronger measures, and sources suggest the new Islamabad unit is another attempt to ease those concerns.
Behind the optimistic rhetoric, however, cracks are visible. Former officials and analysts have described CPEC as severely stalled—or, in the words of one, “almost dead”—due to funding disputes, corruption allegations, and the deteriorating security environment. Questions about debt sustainability and transparency have lingered for years, contributing to political fallout at home.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, now imprisoned on multiple charges, was notably critical of CPEC during his time in office. He raised concerns over the debt burden and alleged kickbacks, moves that strained his relationship with Pakistan’s powerful military establishment—one factor among many in his eventual ouster.
While the new unit signals continued commitment on the surface, some experts question its practical impact. With thousands of Chinese personnel spread across the country and limited resources available, skeptics argue it may serve more as a diplomatic gesture than a game-changing security upgrade.
As China and Pakistan navigate these complexities, the creation of this specialized force underscores a stark reality: in today’s Pakistan, the safety of foreign partners can sometimes appear to take precedence over broader national challenges.