THIS refers to your editorial, ‘Chinese nationals’ safety’ (June 14).

The impression that the Interior Ministry was trying to blame the Chinese victims rather than ascertaining reasons for their abduction is erroneous.

The details about the missionary activities of the two abducted Chinese were revealed for the first time during a meeting chaired by the interior minister. These details were mentioned in the press release along with other directions from the interior minister on the subject-matter with the aim of highlighting facts of the case.

The incident was highly unfortunate and our sympathies are with the bereaved families, yet the group had itself endangered its security and had made itself vulnerable by violating terms of the visa by getting involved in activities which they were not authorized to undertake.

The provision of security to foreigners in any province is the responsibility of the provincial government and not of the federal interior ministry. Because of CPEC, thousands of Chinese nationals visit Pakistan every year and go to different places depending upon the requirements of their professional pursuits.

The government of Pakistan is making every possible effort to provide security to them. However it is not practically possible to detail armed escorts with each and every foreign national. Ensuring their security becomes even more difficult if the visitors themselves choose to get involved in activities which are beyond the stated purpose of their visit.

Sarfraz Hussain

Spokesperson

Interior Ministry

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2017