China’s ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi at the ministry’s building in Islamabad on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Both discussed the preparations being made for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China.

The security of Chinese nationals living in Pakistan also came under discussion at the meeting, especially in the wake of Besham terror attack in which several Chinese engineers had lost their lives.  

Ambassador Zaidong, on the occasion, also congratulated Naqvi on becoming the interior minister of Pakistan.

Minister Naqvi said that the incident that took place at Besham was an attack on Pak-China friendship. “The perpetrators of the crime will not go unpunished,” he vowed.

He told the visiting dignitary that new SOPs had been devised to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens living in the country.

He informed the envoy that during his recent visit to the Chinese consulates in Lahore and Karachi, he had met with the country’s consul generals, who had told him that they were satisfied with the arrangements made for the security of their compatriots in Pakistan.

Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, senior officials of the Chinese embassy and other concerned officials were also present at the meeting.

Chinese ambassador meets Ata Tarar

Before he met with the interior minister, the Chinese envoy also met with Federal Minister for Information Ataullah Tarar and discussed with him the relations between the two countries, progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the steps being taken by the government for the revival of Pakistan’s economy and other important matters.

Both had a detailed discussion on PM Shehbaz’s upcoming visit to China.

Tarar was of the view that the whole world was anxiously waiting for the prime minister’s visit. “The prime minister, in his meetings with the Chinese officials, will discuss with them the progress made on the projects initiated under the CPEC,” the minister said, and added, “The launching of new projects under the CPEC will also come under discussion during PM Shehbaz’s tour.”

The minister said it was encouraging that China was the largest trading partner of Pakistan, and the CPEC was a proof of that partnership.

On the occasion, Tarar also informed Ambassador Zaidong about the steps being taken by the government of Pakistan to resurrect the country’s economy.

Similarly, he took him into confidence on the recent visits by the Saudi and Iranian delegations to Pakistan. “Ever since the present government has taken office, an improvement has been noticed in the country’s economy,” the minister claimed, adding that even international publications were predicting further improvement in the economic situation of Pakistan.

The Chinese envoy appreciated the measures being taken by the Pakistani government for the betterment of the country’s economy.

 Reporter: Awais Kiani