Report: Recent suicide attack rattles confidence of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan
A recent suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has raised safety concerns for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, leading some to consider leaving the country. The Pakistani government has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, but trust has been eroded, according to a security analyst.
Chinese social media is reflecting growing anxiety, with calls for stricter security measures to protect Chinese lives. The attack on Chinese engineers in Shangla has resulted in the suspension of work on key hydropower projects, such as the Dasu dam, the Diamer-Basha dam, and the Tarbela 5th Extension.
According to a Pakistan security analyst, reasons for the attack may include sympathy for the Uighur community in Xinjiang and resentment towards foreigners on their land. Negative perceptions about Chinese nationals in the region have been nurtured, as shown by the blasphemy accusation against a Chinese official at the Dasu dam site last year.
The incident highlights the potential for tensions to escalate, posing risks to the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan. The government’s pledge to bring the perpetrators to justice will be crucial in restoring confidence among Chinese nationals in the country.
