Pakistan approves $2.5M compensation for Chinese workers' families

In a recent development, Pakistan's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has given the green light to a $2.5 million compensation package for the families of Chinese workers who tragically lost their lives in a suicide attack in the Shangla District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa earlier this year. The attack, which took place on 26 March, resulted in the deaths of five Chinese workers and their Pakistani driver while they were on their way to the Dasu hydropower project in northwestern Pakistan.

The Pakistani government has vowed to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attack and has also committed to bolstering security measures for Chinese workers and projects in the country. The Pakistan army has attributed the bombing to a perpetrator from Afghanistan, although the Taliban in Kabul have denied any involvement.

The ECC's approval of the compensation package, totaling $2.58 million along with Rs. 2.5 million for the Ministry of Water Resources, demonstrates the government's dedication to addressing the aftermath of this tragic incident. The decision was made during a meeting presided over by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced upcoming safety protocols designed to protect Chinese nationals in Pakistan, following the Dasu attack, which marked the third assault on Chinese interests in the country within a short period. China's significant investments exceeding $65 billion in various sectors in Pakistan as part of the Belt and Road initiative underscore the importance of ensuring the security of Chinese projects and personnel in the region.

The recent series of attacks includes incidents on 20 March at a strategic port in Balochistan and on 25 March at a naval air base, both claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). It is worth noting that the Dasu area has previously experienced security breaches, such as a bus explosion in 2021 that claimed 13 lives, including nine Chinese nationals.

The approval of compensation for the families of the Chinese workers killed in the attack reflects Pakistan's commitment to addressing the repercussions of the tragic event and ensuring the safety of foreign workers in the country. With ongoing efforts to enhance security measures and identify the perpetrators, Pakistan aims to create a safer environment for Chinese nationals and projects, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and security in the region.