China’s reluctance to invest in new projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is primarily driven by concerns about the safety of its citizens and assets in Pakistan.
In response, the Pakistani government has recently approved a revitalized national counter-terrorism campaign, ‘Operation Azm-e-Istehkam’. According to a recent editorial in Dawn, this move highlights Pakistan’s acknowledgment of the need to address China’s security concerns, particularly at a time when attracting foreign investment is crucial for its economic development.
At a press conference in Lahore, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the primary focus of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ operations will be in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. He added that a detailed plan outlining the framework for these operations will be announced soon. Chinese citizens, workers, and projects have been targets of violence or security threats within Pakistan, raising serious concerns about their safety and security under CPEC projects.
Such incidents have significant implications for the bilateral relations between China and Pakistan, as well as for regional stability and economic cooperation.
However, Pakistan’s military operations often face allegations of human rights violations, including excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and mistreatment of civilians in conflict zones like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and insurgency-affected areas. These allegations, frequently reported by human rights organizations and international observers, raise concerns about the protection of civil liberties and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Such reports can strain Pakistan’s relations with the international community and prompt calls for accountability and reforms within its military and security forces.
