MT Desk: Pakistan’s security strategy for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has emerged as a litmus test for its internal stability, diplomatic credibility and counterterrorism capacity. Once heralded as the crown jewel of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC remains a flagship of regional connectivity and a testament to the enduring strength of Sino-Pak friendship—even as it faces mounting challenges to infrastructure and investment.

CPEC’s expansive footprint—spanning highways, energy plants and the strategic Gwadar Port—has made it a magnet for insurgent and terrorist activity. The most persistent threats include: Baloch separatist groups, particularly the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which view CPEC as exploitative and have repeatedly targeted Chinese nationals and assets. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which opposes the Pakistani State and its foreign alliances including China, along with Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) and other transnational actors, continue to exploit porous borders and regional instability to undermine CPEC security.

High-profile attacks—such as the 2021 Dasu bus bombing, the 2022 Karachi University suicide attack and the 2024 Gwadar Port Authority assault—have underscored the vulnerability of Chinese personnel and the reputational risk to Pakistan. Beyond infrastructure protection, the most sensitive dimension of CPEC security lies in safeguarding Chinese engineers, technicians and advisors—symbolic targets whose visibility and strategic importance demand a recalibrated approach: Armoured convoys, randomized travel routes and blast-resistant living quarters must become standard operating procedure. Cultural and Linguistic Integration: Embedding Mandarin-speaking Pakistani liaison officers and training security forces in Chinese protocols can foster trust and responsiveness. Emergency Response and Medevac Assets:

Helicopter-based medical evacuation units and joint crisis simulation drills are essential to reduce panic and improve coordination. Legal and Diplomatic Safeguards: A Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and embedded consular teams can pre-empt diplomatic friction and ensure rapid response. In response to Beijing’s growing concerns, Pakistan has rolled out a layered security framework: Over 11,000 personnel under the Special Security Division (SSD), including army units, paramilitary troops and Special Protection Units (SPUs).Surveillance and Technology: CCTV networks, drone surveillance and facial recognition systems in high-risk zones; expansion of Safe City projects.

Joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms and counterterrorism fusion cells with Chinese agencies. Operation Azm-e-Istehkam targets terror networks in border regions; intensified military presence in Balochistan. These efforts reflect Pakistan’s deep commitment to protecting Chinese personnel and investments—an obligation rooted not only in strategic necessity but in the spirit of enduring partnership.

In July 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Pakistan’s military leadership to “make all-out efforts” to ensure safety. While some projects have seen temporary pauses—such as segments of the Western Route in Balochistan and parts of the Gwadar Free Zone—these adjustments reflect a shared desire to recalibrate and reinforce long-term sustainability. Energy projects in interior Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also faced delays, but both sides remain engaged in resolving tariff and payment issues through diplomatic