The recent suicide bombing in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province not only disrupted crucial infrastructure projects but also rattled the sense of security among Chinese expatriates working in Pakistan.
According to a security analyst in Pakistan, there are reports suggesting that some Chinese nationals are contemplating leaving the country due to concerns about their safety. Despite the Pakistani government's assurances to apprehend the culprits responsible for the attack, the incident has significantly undermined trust, the analyst added.
Chinese social media platforms reflect a growing apprehension, with demands for enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives of Chinese citizens, as highlighted by Pakistani security analyst Muhammad Amir Rana in Dawn.
The ramifications of the Shangla terrorist attack targeting Chinese engineers' convoy are profound. Work on vital hydropower projects, including the Dasu dam, the Diamer-Basha dam, and the Tarbela 5th Extension, has been suspended by Chinese companies.
Exploring the motives behind the attack, the Pakistani security analyst suggests that some locals in the area might sympathize with the Uighur community in Xinjiang, while others might resent the presence of foreigners on their land. These sentiments could foster negative perceptions towards Chinese nationals in the region.
An illustrative incident is the blasphemy allegation against a Chinese official at the Dasu dam site last year, which underscored the potential for tensions to escalate, the analyst noted.
