Pakistan's Interior Minister, Ijaz Ahmad Shah, reaffirmed Islamabad's unwavering dedication to safeguarding and successfully completing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects during a meeting with a Chinese delegation led by Ambassador Yao Jing in Islamabad.
They engaged in discussions centered on enhancing security for CPEC initiatives, particularly in the vicinity of Gwadar Port. Minister Shah emphasized the importance of modernizing the security infrastructure to enhance project operations, highlighting the crucial role of economic development security in bolstering bilateral cooperation with China.
Ambassador Yao Jing stressed the need to integrate advanced technology to boost project efficiency. The Ministry of Interior, at the forefront of CPEC security, has implemented various operational mechanisms to achieve their goals.
In response to recent security challenges, Pakistan's military announced the formation of a division-sized special force dedicated to safeguarding Chinese nationals and CPEC projects. Major-General Gafoor, Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations, lauded CPEC as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, pledging the army's unwavering commitment to project security.
Initial reports suggested the formation of a Special Security Division (SSD), comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 paramilitary forces, tasked with protecting the CPEC project and Chinese workers.
CPEC remains a strategic network connecting China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's vital Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea, symbolizing the strong partnership between the two nations.