All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners and ironclad friends, China and Pakistan seem to be drifting away after Beijing's ambassador to Islamabad raised concern over the security of its nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Vice premier of China, He Lifeng, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday for a three-day visit, where he will take part in a ceremony to commemorate the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project's tenth anniversary, Dawn reported.
China is angry in particular as it recently helped Pakistan out by rolling out loans and extending much-needed support. Diplomatic sources say Chinese authorities are "much annoyed" by the mismanagement in Pakistan.
The IG Sindh during a meeting held via video link at the Central Police Office in Karachi, reviewed the security arrangements for Chinese residents and expats related to CPEC and non-CPEC projects. He also issued necessary instructions to ensure their safety.
Baloch Voice Association President Munir Mengal said that situation in Balochistan demands immediate attention due to the "systematic abuse of human rights and the disregard for the basic freedoms and liberties of its people."
Beijing is not happy with the strict conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the resumption of the USD 6 billion bailout package program, which may exacerbate Pakistan's economic troubles and draw scrutiny to Chinese loans.
The Chinese contempt for Pakistan's professionalism and lack of earnestness is evident in the way they are practically taking over Pakistan's internal security apparatus and defining the rules of business.
China's ambitious CPEC project launched in 2013 was flawed from the beginning when it was assumed that it would be able to generate jobs and growth in Pakistan.
The CPEC project that was commenced a decade ago was held as a harbinger of prosperity for Pakistan. However, seven years later, many projects under the CPEC still remain non-starters while some of those being operational have become liabilities and are incurring losses.