Pakistan: Chinese authorities warn of attacks against interests

Event

On Friday, December 8, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad announced that it learned of a planned "series of terror attacks" that threatens Chinese interests in Pakistan. According to the Chinese government, Chinese organizations and personnel are at an increased risk of terror attacks, and are advised to stay inside and avoid crowded areas and gatherings. Terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals are possible in Pakistan in the coming days.

Context

The Chinese "One Belt, One Road" development initiative has brought thousands of Chinese workers to Pakistan in recent years. Chinese infrastructure development projects have come under attack from militant groups, particularly in Balochistan, in recent months.

Islamist militant groups - including Al-Qai'da and Islamic State (IS) affiliates, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban (TTP), among other militant groups - continue to pose a threat throughout the country despite continued army offensives to push them from their northwestern strongholds near the Afghan border. Pakistan suffered a number of deadly attacks earlier in the year, notably in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA), Peshawar, and Lahore.

Advice

Due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). As a reminder, all Western embassies in Pakistan advise their citizens against nonessential travel to the country. Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.