On Friday, a provincial official stated that Chinese contractors paused work on two major dam projects in Pakistan after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver this week.
According to the official, the corporations have asked Pakistani authorities to develop new security arrangements before reopening the premises where some 1,250 Chinese citizens work.
The security of Chinese workers is a serious concern for both countries, with nationals frequently targeted by militants opposed to foreign influence.
On Tuesday, a suicide bomber crashed into the workers’ truck on a steep route near one of the dams.
He exploded his explosives on impact, sending their vehicle into a steep ravine.
On the condition of anonymity, a senior official from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa interior-department said that since Wednesday, China Gezhouba Group Company has paused work on the Dasu dam in the province and Power China has halted work on the Diamer Bhasha dam, which spans two provinces.
The official went on to say, “They have demanded new security plans from the government”.
“Around 750 Chinese engineers are engaged in the Dasu Dam project, while 500 are working on the Diamer Bhasha Dam”, the official continued.
He stated that Chinese engineers’ movement has been restricted to the compounds where they live, which are close to the sites.
China has not reacted but has asked Pakistan this week to ensure the safety of its citizens.
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