Chinese authorities have highlighted security risks associated with travel, particularly in remote areas
China is also seeking to expand domestic semiconductor manufacturing capacity and reduce the industry’s reliance on advanced Nvidia chips that are subject to US export controls. PHOTO: REUTERS
RAWALPINDI:
Punjab police have been directed to strictly enforce security protocols governing the movement of Chinese nationals after authorities flagged serious coordination lapses, including an incident in which three Chinese citizens travelled from Gilgit-Baltistan to Karachi without their movements being properly updated on the designated security dashboard.
The directive was issued through a security advisory circulated by the Additional Inspector General (Coordination) Punjab on behalf of the Inspector General of Police Punjab to senior police officers across the province.
The communication was addressed to the Lahore Capital City Police Officer, Additional IG Special Branch, Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, all other RPOs, DIG Operations Lahore, City Police Officer Rawalpindi, all CPOs and DPOs, and security superintendents of police.
Titled ‘Security Advisory Regarding Movement of Chinese Nationals’, the communication refers to previous incidents and threat assessments by intelligence agencies, highlighting the vulnerability of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese citizens, while travelling.
It stresses that such movements require effective security arrangements, close monitoring and coordination among relevant law enforcement agencies.
The advisory specifically refers to three Chinese nationals who recently entered Pakistan through the Sost border crossing in Gilgit-Baltistan. While two were reportedly tracked in Islamabad and one in Gilgit, all three subsequently reached Karachi without their onward movements being updated on the FNSC dashboard.
The lapse, according to the communication, raises serious concerns about monitoring arrangements and the coordination required to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals. It also notes that Chinese authorities have highlighted security risks associated with travel, particularly in remote areas, and emphasised the need for proper implementation of SOPs.
