The puppet administration of Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, has imposed a two-month ban on the use of drones in the southern district effective from March 30 to May 29, citing “serious threats” to the Chinese diplomatic mission from freedom fighter groups. This decision comes after the high-profile attacks targeting Chinese nationals and their consulate in Karachi, including the 2018 assault on the diplomatic facility and the 2022 bombing near the Confucius Institute at Karachi University, which claimed the lives of Chinese academics.
As the Chinese interest in Pak-occupied-Balochistan is being challenged by the freedom fighters, Pakistan Army is trying its best to safeguard Chinese nationals engaged in significant projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The recent suicide bombing in the country’s northwest, killed five Chinese nationals and their local driver on March 26, has further heightened the Army’s concern. This led to an emergency security meeting where the Army ‘promised’ to protect all Chinese workers.
The decision to ban drones was announced through a notification issued by the commissioner of Karachi division. Officials revealed that Chinese contractors had suspended construction on two major dam projects in the country following the recent attack. These companies are demanding a new security plan before resuming their activities, which involve nearly 1,250 Chinese nationals. Additionally, a team of Chinese experts arrived in Pakistan to investigate the incident.