Islamabad is bending over backwards to appease Beijing, establishing a dedicated security force exclusively for protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. This move underscores a stark prioritization of foreign investors over local concerns, as militant attacks on Chinese infrastructure projects escalate.
In a bold response to years of violence targeting Chinese personnel and projects, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the creation of a specialized security unit in early January 2026. The Diplomat magazine reports that this elite force will focus solely on safeguarding Chinese citizens, workers, and key development sites across the country.
The decision comes amid a surge in assaults by groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. These militants have repeatedly struck at high-profile China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives, killing dozens and exposing gaping holes in Pakistan’s security apparatus.
A devastating BLA-coordinated suicide bombing and shootout on January 31 in Balochistan claimed the lives of numerous Pakistani police and military personnel, further highlighting Islamabad’s vulnerabilities. Chinese officials have grown increasingly frustrated, repeatedly urging Pakistan to allow deployment of their own armed security teams—a request that signals deep distrust in local capabilities.
Beijing has even floated the idea of permanently stationing Chinese military personnel in Gwadar port city, though Pakistan has so far resisted surrendering more sovereignty. This dynamic reveals China’s opportunistic expansion in the region, capitalizing on America’s waning influence post-Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021.
Instead of solidifying its foothold, China’s aggressive push has painted a bullseye on its workers. Regional terror outfits, from TTP to BLA and beyond, now share a common animosity toward Beijing, fueled by diverse grievances. Neighboring Afghanistan and Tajikistan have seen similar spikes in attacks on Chinese interests.
Pakistan’s concessions are a desperate bid to retain Chinese investment, its largest benefactor, amidst spiraling militancy. As Beijing tightens its grip, questions loom over Islamabad’s ability to balance national security with economic dependencies. The long-term fallout could reshape South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.