Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has embarked on a five-day visit to China, starting Tuesday, as tensions rise between the two allies over the security of Chinese interests in Pakistan. China, a key ally and investor, has pledged over $65 billion to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a critical component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s ambitious global infrastructure project.
Zardari’s visit comes against the backdrop of growing security challenges that have strained Islamabad’s ties with Beijing. Over recent years, separatist and religiously motivated militants have repeatedly targeted Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. In October, a suicide blast in Karachi claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, while another attack in northwest Pakistan killed five Chinese workers in March.
The visit, scheduled from February 4 to February 8, is taking place at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to Pakistan’s foreign office, Zardari will meet President Xi, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese officials in Beijing. Discussions will cover a broad spectrum of issues, including economic and trade cooperation, counter-terrorism and security measures, and the future of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“It will focus on strengthening economic and trade collaboration, counter-terrorism efforts, and enhancing connectivity under the CPEC framework,” the foreign office said in a statement on Sunday.
The visit follows nearly eight months after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to China, during which both sides emphasized safeguarding Chinese interests in Pakistan’s volatile regions and expanding cooperation under the BRI.
Despite Beijing’s significant investments in Pakistan, including in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its projects remain under constant threat. Separatist groups such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) have targeted Chinese infrastructure and personnel. In October, the BLA claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near Karachi airport that killed Chinese nationals. The group accuses China of exploiting Balochistan’s mineral resources with Pakistan’s assistance, allegations both Islamabad and Beijing deny, asserting that the projects aim to uplift the region.
China’s frustration has grown in recent months, with public criticism over the repeated attacks on its nationals and investments. Beijing has sought permission to deploy its own security forces in Pakistan to safeguard its interests – a proposal Islamabad has resisted.
Team BharatShakti
