Chinese engineers and other staffers, engaged in the construction of M4 Motorway from Bahawalpur to Faisalabad, attacked policemen deployed for their security after the foreign workers were barred from leaving their camp's premises without a security squad, DawnNewsTV reported on Wednesday.
Several mobile phone clips doing rounds on social media show Chinese nationals approaching the police officials in a provocative manner and attacking them. A video showed a Chinese national standing on the bonnet of a police van, another video showed several Chinese nationals thrashing policemen and some local people in plain clothes.

According to police officials, Chinese engineers and other officials wanted to leave their camp in Khanewal and visit a "red-light" area on Tuesday night. They resorted to agitation when denied permission to leave the camp without being accompanied by security officials.
Later, the Chinese engineers also cut power supply to the police camp established within the main construction camp, the officials added.
On Wednesday morning, the Chinese workers stopped work on the project and abandoned heavy machinery and vehicles on various roads in the area. They also resorted to violence and attacked police in their camp.
Subsequently, the protesting Chinese engineers wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, claiming that police officials refrained them from performing their duties and attacked them.
They also accused the security in-charge of attempting to hit the Chinese workers with his vehicle. Police officials, however, rejected the accusations and said they were fabricated.
Later in the day, Khanewal DPO Rizwan Omer Gondal held a meeting with the protesting Chinese workers following which they agreed to open the blocked roads.
Meanwhile, the police officials made it clear to the Chinese engineers that they will not be allowed to leave their camp without security arrangements.
This was not the first time when Chinese nationals in Pakistan attacked local police. In 2016, a clash occurred between the police and Chinese workers as the latter insisted on staying at a construction camp at night, but the former opposed the idea due to security reasons.
According to media reports, citing sources, some Chinese nationals associated with the Chinese army and trained in martial arts had attacked and injured police personnel deployed for their security.
However, the police had avoided taking any legal action against the Chinese to avert further conflict. In fact, the then CPO had suspended three SHOs and six other policemen for not restraining themselves from a clash.
Comments (202) Closed
Anyone taking law in their hands must be brought before law for a trial or deported out of Pakistan. Pathetic behaviour by such individuals and their paid goons
Why haven’t they been arrested yet? Arrest them and deport them ASAP no one is above law
Such incidents must be avoided at all cost. But for now, as a matter of not establishing a wrong precedent, these Chinese nationals must be evicted and their work visas canceled. Even if it affects the work on the project.
A lot of rumors going on about the conduct of Chinese workers. It is about time rules and regulations must be framed about the movement and work of Chinese workers. Their movement and work procedures must not be left unattended like the Americans.
Fruits of CPEC, get used to thrashing!
Apologies for this. I condemn this master slave mentality
Story is just starting.
Who is in charge?
This is just the beginning.
What a joke.
Kick all of them out of the country... these Chinese will be a big headache for Pakistan long term..
Kick them out of the country.
Just some tough love from iron brother
Chinese consider Pakistan and Pakistani people under their thumbs. It is wake up call for Pakistan.
Chinese domination has started.
They should be charged for misbehaving the police. They should not be spared at any cost.
This is not even the beginning. Such incidents have been happening over a period of time. Does the political establishment doesn't have the slightest of shame?
Few bad Pak and Chinese people.
No worries, our SinoPak ties will always be steadfast and strong. Love you SinoPak:)
SinoPak Iron brothers 4 life!
So iron brothers are dealing with iron hand???
This should be investigated on priority and the offenders should be brought to justice. We should not let these Chinese or any foreigners harass our security officers or civilians. This is the time we set example or else it might be too late.
It is fine that Pakistan and China have strong relations,but such things happening do not auger well for those relation.
Strict action should be taken against all those local or foreigners who break the law or try to take it in their own hands.No leniency in this regard should be shown for anyone regardless of the fact who they are and where they come from.
Wow what a sight to behold, pak people getting beaten up by Chinese in Pakistan. Reminds me of British colonial history
This is unacceptable. Chinese or any one must not be allowed to break the country's Laws
Hope you guys understand that they’re not and will never be your blood brothers. Realize the truth and try to live in reality. Can you even imagine a group Pakistanis doing the same in China??
This is just the beginning. A long way to go. Suddenly I remember the scene from the movie, Laggan.
Just call them to police station, get a memorandum signed that they will be responsible for their own security. Let them visit the red light area as its will earn Foreign Direct Investment.
Why arent these individuals being arrested for assaulting a police officer?
This insane!! Chines did wrong thing, and police got punished for it.
Looks like the iron brothers whose friendship is sweeter than honey and higher than the Himalayas are getting along well..
Many of these Chinese working in CPEC projects in Pakistan are actually criminals and convicts who have been convicted by Chinese authorities for Committing serious crimes in China. Some Chinese have been caught in Karachi skimming and stealing from bank ATM machines.
@Imtiaz Ali Khan agree or disagree with you is a different issue, but impress by your positivity towards the world and life in general. Your brother from across the border.
This is just the beginning. There is no way that the China-Pakistan friendship is going to end well.
Actually it is communication problem due to language!
CPEC is indeed giving returns.. except not what you expected !! On a serious note, it is alarming how the Chinese blatantly disregard for their security and mutual respect from Pakistan !!
Whats new Pakistan?
PM Abbasi gets searched at US airport, UN includes 139 Pakistanis as terrorists, Dubai police commissioner terms Pakistanis as a danger to UAE, and now Chinese take law into their own hands in Pakistan. If this doesn't open the leaderships eyes to improve Pakistans image then nothing ever will!
History repeating itself! First British, now Chinese!
Really iron brother...lol
Chinese workers that did this must be immediately repatriated back to China. We have a duty to safe guard our people and police services. The Chinese should either stay subservient to the local law or be thrown out. This is exactly what any other self-respecting country would do. No one can come to our country and beat up our people, as a mob, irrespective of who started it.
I am sure if the positions were reversed and some Pakistani do this in China, they will be shot dead.
Wake up call for pakistan
Just the beginning....get ready
It's just the beginning.
Chinese are our brothers but brothers need to abide by the law of land - so they should be investigated and if found guilty - deported ASAP .
Good or bad people in every society. Need to investigate. If they are involve in bad deed, should be return back to China. Simple.
@Faizal - you are correct buddy, if Pakistani workers did the same in China, they would be behind bars immediately and it would take years, if not decades, of pressure from the public and the government to get them out!
Administrative lapse. They should have their own security and the case will be resolved.
Now this is unacceptable. Police is there to provide security & they are not accepting such protection. Many such unwanted & sad incidents in past cause dismay in our relation with China. This is kind of arrangement is to avoid such incidents reoccurrence.
The matter should be investigated. Everyone in this country should obey the law of the land. It should not matter if it is the Chinese or any other nationality.
Try hitting an American or Chinese policeman in USA or China.
Chinese must have some liberty to move around without Security but these Chinese guys must be dismissed. They have violated our rules.
A sign of things to come . . .
Chinese should cooperate with authorities. Its for there own safety and security
It was highlighted in media that many of the workers brought in by Chinese companies for doing hard labour had criminal history and were completing their jail term in Chinese prisons. Such behavior should not be shocking seeing their past record.
The situation should not have been allowed to go out of hand. Had senior police officers taken initiative, they could have provided security cover to the Chinese engineers for their outings.
Is suspended SHO is the solution? No FIR no charges, slave Punjab authorities.
Foreigners has to obey the law of the land, no exceptions.
Law enforcement agencies has to assert their authority and the culprits should be punished accordingly.
This is just ridiculous.
These things keep happening. The guilty should be punished and life must move on. Cant stop trade for such petty matters
Let them go out at their own risk. Make them sign an indemnity.
Chinese are behaving like masters and the pakistanis think its friendship.
The Chinese who engaged in the outrage must be deported right away.
I have heard that china has sent many jail inmates to work as laborers here.
There is always 2 sides to a story.
Disgraceful behaviour by the foreigners and should be duly punished. Nobody should be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Suspending the SHO's will only encourage this type of criminal behaviour.
Pakistan should lodge an official protest with Chinese government after due investigation of the matter. These engineers should be deported immediately
It doesn't sound right, it sounds like police is hiding the real reason and trying to present themselves as their saviours. Why would Chinese attack police for protecting them and we also know our police as how innocent they are. I am sure there is some other story involved.
Throw them out. Rules and law must be abide
They should be punished according to law.
Deport them immediately
@Sauron This is not Love my respected. This is disrespect. Countries have common interests not love or brotherhood or something else. So, All responsible must taught lesson to obey the rules and laws of our home land.
This is a disgrace, charge them and let them face the courts. Also, train and equip our police to protect themselves.
This is a very dangerous trend which should be taken very seriously. All foreigners should abide by the laws of the land or else be deported as a deterrent for others.
After ATM thefts, now physical assault on Pakistani Policemen by Chinese.So bad and sad.These Chinese seriously needs special counseling prior to leaving for Pakistan.Otherwise the end result will be desasterous for both the countries.
If the Chinese had done the same in their country, they would have faced very strict punitive measures. The same needs to happen here..
I am surprised to read that police men were suspended for getting the beatings!!!!!
Who brought these people into Pakistan. The Chinese people are not acceptable anywhere in the world due to their peculiar shape, selfishness and bad habits.
This happens when you have a weak law. Chinese can't do this drama in Dubai or Canada because they know they will be behind bars the moment they do this.... Such a shame police, govt and all of us.
I never saw our Pakistani citizen ever dare to touch police. Chinese broke that myth.
They are getting frustrated at increased security but then if something happens to them, all the blame will fall on police. They have to do their job.
Laws have to be respected. They dont want to repect a country's laws, then please come to USA, where Cops shoot first and ask questions afterwards.
Government must return these Chinese nationals immediately to China. Draw the line here and now. There should be a Chinese liaison officer in every camp.
Action should be taken aganist Chinese nationals, soon we will see clasehes with Chinsese and Pakistani nationals ..
Just treat it in the same way you would if a Pakistani did the same
Shameful act of Chinese engineers and their prisoners labour
Something is not right from both sides, root cause should be determined. Punishment should be for both Chinese and police if they have misbehaved as well.
Chinese should respect the laws for their protection.
every chinese in pakistan enjoys diplomatic immunity.
Chinese working or visiting Pakistan should be made clear that they have to abide by Pakistani law under all circumstances. They should all be also be informed that if they break the law here they will be dealt with just like any other citizen of the country.
Assault on Police will not be tolerated.
I dread the day when Chinese start behaving like Raymond Davis !
Am sure that slowly Pakistan will become another North Korea. Look at the friendly nations of CHinese. All the CHinese friends are impoverished. Don't depend on CHina for your growth. Try to stand in your own leg independently. Most importantly, you can trust an open enemy than a greedy friend. If you allow it to grow, then they will occupy your soverign territory. They will dictate terms like it is happening at Sri Lanka ports. They will make the country indebted.
this type activists will create a various or bad atmosphere between china and pakistan's friendship and also will give chance to animus of CPEC to destroy it , every countrie's police has right to instruct to people specially for foreigners, now a days pakistani police and pakistani army working hard for safe chines engineers and also other workers , so pakisatan's govt must have to take action against this this activity to solve it and to stop this type of activities in future .
There is a lot of sensationalism here. All it was was some misunderstanding between some people. Enemies of Pakistan are trying to create a rift between us and our Chinese best friends. We have to respect our Chinese brothers and make sure they are not inconvenienced again.
Pakistan is not in a position to take any action against the unruly Chinese This shows the relative position between the two countries
This is unacceptable. All citizens, Pakistani and foreign must respect the law and follow the directions of the police. Worse still, these Chinese have violently attacked our police, who were just doing their job. The guilty Chinese must be arrested, and tried - otherwise it will encourage more such behaviour.
It is only a beginning. More will come just wait.
I have been to China several times. In my experience, the Chinese people look down upon the Pakistanis. In fact, they do not even distinguish between Pakistanis and Indians (even though we are supposed to be their iron brothers, and Indians are their rivals). They consider everybody in South Asia to be the same, and see us as inferior people. Sadly, our admiration of the Chinese is mostly a one-way affair, and they do not share similar sentiments about us. The sooner we wake up to this reality, the better.
We need to blame ourselves for the mess up in the country !
This is going to happen frequently in future because we bow before Chinese because no one at international level backing up Pakistan. We sold our self with monetary value let's see my indication in three to four years Chinese are looters and power full in our country.
Just the beginning to colonialism...
Pakistan is rapidly becoming a Chinese colony.
Though the scuffle took place, however, the reason was not as cited in the article. We must restrain from speculations. Misunderstanding happens every where, the efforts should be to resolve them amicably and not over react / propagate false / un confirmed news as it would only add to anger and despondency
The Police should withdraw from providing them with security.
The Chinese must be arrested, for fighting with police. If any Pakistani guy fight Chinese police, every one know what will happen
The Chinese must be arrested
Behaviour of the Punjab Police needs focused as well. Beside no one take law in hand.
More to this than meets the eye. Our police is rotten and corrupt to the core. But the matter needs investigation. We cannot let incidents like this derail our relationship with the Chinese. We’ve lost western support and we can’t do without the Chinese.
I wish these Chinese engineers would have seen the Punjab Police in full throttle. If these were Pakistani Nationals, on whose tax they get there salaries, they would have thrashed them with brute force.
Police was deployed to protect the Chinese. But who will protect Police from the Chinese?
I have read right here in Dawn all Chinese workers in Pakistan drive around without a proper Pakistani driver's license.Obviously they have no respect for :Pakistani law Their attitude seems to be "We are Chinese, your laws do not apply to us"
The government is responsible to provide security to these Chinese nationals.
Not really a diplomatic relation, is it? China is buying for sure, you just need to be sure what it is that you're selling, should not be your sovereignty, should it ? A bunch of foreigners taking on local police speaks volumes, are you listening ?
The Chinese ought to ponder over learning manners and etiquette!
and so it begins.
No one should be above law. why are we degrading our citizen when on multiple videos one can clearly sees who is responsible. Please do not take easy on such incident. Yes! we should be humble but with dignity.
This great nation deserves equal treatment from another great nation
this matter should be immediately taken to UN
Why are we surprised? Did we do anything when PTI or Khadim Hussain workers when they did the similar acts? When we don't respect our police, then how can we expect others to do the same.
Pakistani authorities must immediately take up this issue with the Chinese Govt. because a large number of Chinese prisoners involved in heinous crimes have reportedly been sent here.
This is what happens if we depend heavily on other nation.
@Arshad good luck!
@Ahmad Khan Are you kidding me?
The only appropriate action against any foreign miscreant is to deport them and permanent debarred from reentering. Specifically when security staff is threatened no flexibility should be shown.
Wow, police had avoided taking any legal action against the Chinese to avert further conflict. In fact, the then CPO had SUSPENDED THREE SHOs and six other policemen for not restraining themselves from a clash.
China treats Pakistan as its colony! No leniency should be shown. The resposible chineses contractors be brought to book and after serving proper sentencing deported from Pakistan for good
Teach them a lesson that Pakistanis are not cheap. This is our land and We will not tolerate their aggression against our people.
pathetic behavior !
Throw these Chinese nationals for hitting a Public servant. They are not above the law.
The whole situation seems to be the result of misunderstanding and wrong approach by the Pakistani police who always feels superior to the people she serves.
It is a crime to tarnish dignity of our police. Those Chinese must be apprehended for violation and beating people and Police. This type of behavior should not be tolerated at must not be acceptable. Going to red light area in Khanewal is another bi question mark. Why DPO failed to apprehend all those involved and those running red light area.
Wonder if they will behave like this in China?
I agree these individuals are not above law and must be punished and booted out of the country. How can they behave like this when the police stopped them for their security
@Xi thank you sir...we want all of us to leave peacefully...
the chinese guy is standing over the bonnet of the police car with the pakistani flag on it.
And this is not the first such incident. It was reported and captured for the first time.
Many such conflicts with Chinese nationals arise due to a simple problem. COMMUNICATION. Language is a major barrier when dealing with them. They want to do something, can't explain, feel like they are under arrest, can't express their feeling and so the outcome. If someone tries to explain to them he faces the same language problem.
@Niz why Deported?? Instead of putting in prison
Looks like it is the Pakistani policemen that needs protection instead of the Chinese workers.
ok they dont need security. so why to give them security. Let them be. Chinese knows how to protect them selves. China Pak friendship forever
These should be put behind bars first to serve the term and then deported back to their country. No excuses!
If any Pakistani doing the same in China against their security forces would be standing in front of firing squad!
I am sorry but I really don't believe our Punjab police and I think they are telling lies but even then there is no excuse for the Chinese workers to attack police like that and they must be deported.
Deport them like any other country would.
I heard that Chinese have employed a lot of criminals on these CPEC projects !
Only Pakistan is the country where foreigners can attack , beat and kill locals and officials ! These are Chinese Reynond Davis. !
Police gets thrashed by Chinese Engineers . It speaks volumes about Pakistan’s subservience
@Ustazi The video evidence of Chinese workers brutalizing the police communicates a very clear message that you are apparently unable to understand.
They need to be arrested , and punished as PK laws and THEN ONLY deported back. If a Pakistani would have done this in China do we think they would have been so linent?
It would be best to report the matter to the Chinese embassy and let them handje the situation
These Chinese hooligans must be sent to jail immediately. We (Indians, Pakistanis, Sri lankans etc.) have to send a strong message, this is NOT acceptable. Behave with us in a dignified manner, irrespective of who you are. Just because you have money, you can't behave like an animal. Full support for our Pakistani brethren.
You still think china is helping pakistan for development? These incident clearly shows whats they think of you and how will they treat you in future.
East India Company - in making
CPEC is a game changer for sure.. open your eyes now! You are going into a slavery trap!
Chinese what else do u expect. If a pakistani would have done this in china they will be killed.
And this is exactly what's gonna happen if you are unable to repay your loan.
Laws are equal for everyone. Whoever is the culprit, must punished. Safety and security of individuals are first priority.
shame how can they attack our police they providing security for them..
Im from india and heard this news but no details given. Searched on the net and got this page. How dare a foreigner touch the local police force! Can a pakistani do this is china or gcc? How many times have we seen this superiority complex from many towards all of us 4 subcontinent country's citizens. This is clearly rising from that deeprooted superiority thing in their minds...be it chinese or americans or arabs. But yea you would shout at me because of where i am from. No but this is a honest feeling. My blood boils when i see this racism. Hope they are given a very stern message. Business and alliance are one thing, mutual respect without racism and superiority is another. Hope pakistan authorities give this message one day. If misunderstood, you can start shouting at me, but this is a straightforward feeling.
@ali slave spotted
If the culprits are not punished or just deported then a wrong message will be sent. Pakistani nationals will feel scared of Chinese and start behaving subserviantly in their own country. Its a psychological impact of video.
that's why cpec is game changer for pakistan
There must have been some kind of provocation
@Dr. Farhan khan Shame on you for allowing this to happen.
@Higher and Deeper
Agreed, Chinese were just trying to inject some hard currency into the economy
Side effects of CPEC.
Next tie give them a thrashing so that they dare not touch another Pakistani
@KAMESH it doesn’t work like that.
Seems to be more to the story than it seems. It is probably a combination of Chinese display of superiority aggravated by usual trickery of the Pakistani police. May be some money demand for protection money or bribe involved.
Chinese already feel Pakistan is their country and locals/policemen as theirs slaves. #CPECFAILURE
appreciate Pakistani police's patience. in my opinion police need to do lathi charge...otherwise these Chinese are mannerless people..poor policemen beaten by almost 50 people...and they were deployed for their security..what to say?
@Xi Chinese have shown their true colours
@Shahzeb what's else you are planning to do for getting foreign investment
@HWH so true.....
@Talha please serve the Chinese, they are brothers, investors, the Policemen should be dismissed
Making a small fight as a reflection on Sino-Pak relationship is incorrect. When two groups of people have different opinion, arguments and fights will happen. Why make mountain out of a molehill? I am hopeful that association with China will bring prosperity to Pakistan. We humans need business and trading and employment. Ideally, I would have liked India and Pakistan to be friends and allies but that's not going to happen in our lifetime. China is the next best thing to happen to Pakistan. Don't let such incidents blow out of proportion.
@Ajay I hope you are wrong. Prosperous Pakistan is what India needs.
I suggest take the beating. And now lower the next time. We did that for British and now we do that for Chinese . It's all for the greater good
Deport the 5.
if Pakistanis had done the same thing in China they will have been in jail and branded terrorists with rigorous punishment
Why the Police officers were suspended.They were doing their duty.
@Chaudhry Mahmood might have asked for bribe
Pakistan has still time to run away from the clutches of dragon.....afterward it will be too late.
Pakistan people needs to be calm down and think and run the governance from process. Jingoism is not going to help
@Akshay absolutely right
@Zak , Yes the security guards of them could have stood outside the door waiting for the chinese to come..
All weather friends. Long live friendship!!
@Barry - "Pakistan has still time to run away from the clutches of dragon.....afterward it will be too late."
I think it's already too late.
This is just the start...Imagine what will happen when everything in Pakistan will be made by China!!
@Akshay Pakistanis have been beaten up and u r feeling the pain????? grow up mister. Is your name Akshay or Alam???
Unfortunately, the guy who took the video will be charged for acting against 'national interests'.
So they r learning local customs on a fast pace, where it is the legitimate right to block roads on petty pretexts inflicting ir-repairable misery to the common man.
Every time the China -Pakistan relationship pops in to my mind I just cannot stop shaking my head and start murmuring "I cant believe it, I can't believe it...." Your greedy, corrupt leaders have sold you down the pike and are continuing to do so.. The long range repercussions of allowing China to set up manufacturing facilities on Pakistani shores labeled "Made in Pakistan" but actually Chines profiting from it, will be catastrophic for Pakistan. When they take over all your exports, what will you do? Not only that, they will take over all your local markets too, may be retailing as well. The long range prospects look very grim to say the least.
begining of chinese colonisation of pakistan
Inviting China in to your country is like renting your house to a new tenant (Kirayedar). Easy to get in: but very hard to get him out when you choose to do that. The Classic tenant from hell.
Why is the Pakistani media and independent persons putting this video on the internet? This should be solved locally and NOT internationally. Others can take advantage. Look at this video. The Youtube and American intelligence wants this kind of bad feelings SPREAD by media as this video is hidden by youtube. Remember, the ROHINGYA is done by FACEBOOK of Zuckerberg lying about Roghingya.
"Tension between Florence police, Chinese workers"
No foreigner should be allowed to attack and denigrate security forces. That’s OUR job.
China is worse than a dragon...It is more like Tyrannosaurus Rex
From 30 years from now you will be chanting slogans of Azadi Azadi from China.
@Xi so u agree its there:) even britishers have apologised for lots of acts. Its ok.
@Arshad beat even police. Just imagine u goto usa n beat police land up in jail for few years. Here police saying sorry sir feel free to beat anytime to take ur anger out..this is neo slavery get habitual of it as nation once in debt is slaved.
They must be deported.
Nice work
A game changer really! :-)
As a Chinese worked for several CPEC projects, I am stunned to see most comments are hostile to Chinese workers.
If any people are put in prison-like security then same behavior he will have. Actually most Chinese workers don't like the security forces. Instead of security forces they look more like our administrators. They overstate the security situation, interfering too much the life and work of Chinese.