KARACHI: The Sindh government on Saturday ordered an inquiry into allegations of six Chinese investors who had moved the Sindh High Court against alleged police harassment.

Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar while taking a notice of the Chinese investors’ decision to approach the SHC, directed the inspector general of police (IGP) to immediately appoint a senior inquiry officer for a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon told Dawn that in view of attacks on Chinese by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) in Karachi, the police were taking the issue of Chinese security more seriously by addressing any possible gap or lapse in the security. “We cannot put it on the back burner,” he added.

He added that the police had close coordination with an association of Chinese and the Chinese consulate in Karachi and a meeting with them was expected to take place on Monday.

He said probably certain Chinese associated with projects unrelated to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) wanted ‘free movement’ but “we cannot compromise their security thus standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed”.

IGP Memon said certain local sponsors or hosts were also not willing to bear the cost of security thus they avoid providing bulletproof vehicles to Chinese or construct walls or barbed wires and install CCTVs.

He said the Chinese had filed petition on Dec 6, 2024 and the court had taken up the plea after a gap of one and half months.

He said the police wanted to maintain element of surprise in travelling of Chinese to avoid vulnerability to any attack.

Meanwhile, the home minister said in a statement that the Sindh government was committed to ensuring security to Chinese nationals according to set SOPs, and it was a top priority for the government to ensure all related matters and actions were properly executed.

“Therefore, it must be ensured that at the provincial level, the ‘foolproof security’ of Chinese nationals involved in both CPEC and non-CPEC projects is a joint responsibility of the Sindh government, Sindh police, and local sponsors or hosts.”

He further emphasised that the goal of the Sindh government and Sindh police was to facilitate and provide security to Chinese investors through mutual cooperation.

However, it was also essential that sponsors were regularly informed and that officers of the SPU (Special Protection Unit) take steps to monitor security measures.

“Additionally, it is necessary to address any potential gaps, shortcomings, or deficiencies in the security measures for Chinese nationals. Implementing the measures outlined by law and SOPs is critical to eliminating any security gaps.”

He stressed that if Chinese nationals faced security-related complaints, senior officers must not only review the situation but also ensure a prompt resolution, as Chinese citizens turn to the Sindh police for assistance regarding security concerns.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2025