19 October 2004	Tuesday	04 Ramazan 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: The government has chalked out a comprehensive plan for the security of all Chinese nationals working on various projects in Pakistan, a source in the interior ministry told Dawn on Monday.

The source said that under the plan, armymen would be deployed in all camps and places where Chinese were residing and working.

The movement of Chinese workers and experts has been restricted and they have been asked to avoid visiting public places in remote areas.

The source said the security plan had been made following the kidnapping of two Chinese engineers working on the Gomal Zam Dam project on Oct 9. One of them was killed in a commando operation conducted by security forces in South Waziristan to secure their release after five days on Thursday.

The government of China has already assured Islamabad that all Chinese nationals working on various development projects in Pakistan would continue to serve till the completion of the projects. However, the Chinese government has demanded fool-proof security cover for the Chinese working in Pakistan to prevent such incidents in future.

TRIBAL JIRGA: Meanwhile, a grand tribal jirga comprising senior leaders condemned the killing of the Chinese engineer and reaffirmed their full support to the government in its fight against terrorism.

The delegation with representatives from the seven tribal agencies met a visiting Chinese delegation in Islamabad and assured that all measures would be taken to ensure security and safety of the Chinese working in Pakistan.

The security secretary of the Federally-Administered Tribal Areas, Brig (retd) Mahmood Shah, and parliamentarians from Fata were also present during the meeting with the Chinese Assistant Ministers for Trade and Foreign Affairs, and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Zhang Chunxiang. They expressed solidarity with the Chinese brothers and condemned the acts of terrorism.

The tribal jirga appreciated the Chinese government for its consistent support for development projects in Pakistan, and said they had helped the country's economy considerably.

The assistant trade minister said there were over 3,000 Chinese working in Pakistan and called for more security measures for their safety.