Chinese companies to get army-backed security in Pakistan

Engineers of the Harbin Boiler Co test the steam generator developed for the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant in Pakistan.[Provided for China Daily]

ISLAMABAD - The government in Pakistan has decided to provide army-backed security to big Chinese companies in the country to ensure their absolute protection, local media reported Monday.

Dawn News said that the federal cabinet agreed in principle last week to allay fears of Chinese investors by ensuring foolproof security to them, and the final decision was made after consultation with the military top brass who fully supported the move.

In a meeting of the federal cabinet meeting on Feb 25, it was decided that the best possible security would be provided to Chinese investors and the only option left with the government in this regard was to assign this task to the army.

Quoting an unidentified official with the Prime Minister House, the paper said, that the government has already conveyed its decision to the Chinese authorities after thorough deliberations with all concerned officials.

The official said that in every meeting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had with Chinese businessmen and companies in both the private and public sectors during his visit to China last July, serious concerns were expressed about the fragile security situation.

Pakistan is presently working on 16 projects in which Chinese investors have shown interest. These include nuclear, solar, coal and hydro-electric power projects.

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