Islamabad vows to step up security for China-Pakistan corridor
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 April 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Islamabad vows to step up security for China-Pakistan corridor, 22 April 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba2448.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 22, 2015
By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal
Pakistan has reportedly assured China that it will establish a "special security division" for Chinese workers attached to the multibillion-dollar Pakistan-China Economic Corridor project in the country.
On April 20, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed $46 billion worth of agreements to begin building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a network of roads, railways, and pipelines linking western China with Pakistan's Arabian Sea coast.
The corridor will run through Pakistan's violence-plagued Balochistan region.
Pakistani presidential sources say that Xi's Pakistani counterpart, Mamnoon Hussain, told him a special army division would be given responsibility for the safety of Chinese workers.
Military spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa tweeted on April 21 that "special security division comprising army battalions and CAF (Civil Armed Forces) wings being raised as dedicated force for Pak-China economic projects."
In a later tweet, he said the division will be made up of nine army battalions and six CAF wings.
Pakistani media reports say the division will consist of more than 12,000 personnel.
With additional reporting by AFP and tribune.com.pk
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
