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.
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.
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.
A Chinese company has written to the Sindh government that its workers are being threatened by armed persons and has requested security for them, reported Pak vernacular media Intekhab Daily.
Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, who led the Gwadar rights movement, has threatened to close the Gwadar port if the demands agreed upon by the provincial government are not fulfilled.
Numerous protesters carried out a protest rally in the port city of Gwadar on Sunday and threatened to block China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) if the demands to ban illegal trawling in Gwadar and eliminate unnecessary checkpoints, among several other issues are not met.
Amid the growing concerns over the safety and security of Chinese nationals working on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, Pakistan and China on Sunday agreed to use bullet-proof vehicles for all outdoor movement of Chinese workers.
This follows the recent surge in targeted attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan by Sindh and ethnic Baloch rebels. In the wake of increasing attacks, Beijing has expressed concerns about the inadequate security measures by Islamabad.