Islamabad’s repeated security failures are casting a long shadow over Chinese investments in Pakistan, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A new report warns that without drastic measures against jihadist and separatist groups, Beijing’s ambitious projects could face devastating setbacks.
The analysis, published this week, highlights how ongoing threats are eroding the safety of Chinese personnel and infrastructure. Ignoring historical lessons could lead to loss of civilian lives, stalled projects, and damage to China’s global reputation, far beyond military casualties.
Dimitra Stylianou, a Greek lawyer, writer, and journalist writing for Europe Wire, notes that China is no longer satisfied with vague promises of stability. Beijing now demands robust, on-the-ground security protocols. The formation of special security units and joint training programs signals a quiet shift in power dynamics, imposing stricter conditions on Pakistan despite their strategic alliance.
This partnership, once rooted in ideological closeness, is now testing Islamabad’s patience and capability. A string of attacks in 2024 and 2025 has exposed vulnerabilities. In March 2024, a suicide bombing in Shangla killed five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver en route to the Dasu Hydropower Project, a flagship CPEC initiative. October 2024 saw two Chinese staff killed near Karachi International Airport. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has repeatedly targeted Chinese interests in Balochistan.
These incidents have heightened tensions, forcing Beijing to publicly call for tougher security measures. While official rhetoric maintains strong ties, ground realities question Pakistan’s ability to protect Chinese assets, undermining the partnership’s credibility.
The report points to the expanding reach of ISIS-K in 2025, operating beyond remote border areas into urban centers and critical infrastructure. Despite Islamabad’s counter-terrorism claims, these groups have grown geographically and operationally.
Attacks on Chinese nationals in South Asia are no longer isolated; they form part of a broader terrorist strategy crossing borders and organizations, with Pakistan at its epicenter. As threats escalate, the future of CPEC hangs in the balance, demanding urgent reforms from Pakistan to safeguard this vital corridor.
