ISLAMABAD: In response to recent remarks by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the Foreign Office expressed “surprise” over his concerns about the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch commented that the statement by Ambassador Jiang “does not reflect Islamabad and Beijing’s diplomatic tradition.”
During her weekly press briefing, Baloch emphasized that Pakistan regards Chinese nationals as “important guests” and is dedicated to ensuring their safety. She reiterated that Islamabad is “fully aware of Beijing’s concerns” over recent attacks on Chinese citizens and is closely cooperating on investigations into these incidents.
The statement followed comments from Ambassador Jiang, who voiced Beijing’s dissatisfaction with recent attacks on Chinese nationals, calling them “unacceptable” and stressing the importance of “effective remedial measures” to prevent future incidents. His remarks came during an event in Islamabad celebrating China’s 75th National Day, where he underlined the priority President Xi Jinping places on the security of Chinese citizens abroad.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar responded by affirming Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals, highlighting that most suspects involved in previous attacks have been detained. He assured Chinese officials that Pakistan would continue to safeguard Chinese lives and assets.
The diplomatic exchange comes in the wake of recent attacks, including a suicide bombing in Karachi that left two Chinese nationals dead, marking a rare moment of publicized tension between Pakistan and its longstanding ally.
