KARACHI: Calling security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan a “national responsibility,” interior minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday assured the neighbouring country of their safety and cited the fresh instructions to all “relevant institutions” about ensuring that policy under the defined standard operating procedures (SOP).

The fresh development came during his visit to the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, where he met Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren. A statement issued after the meeting said that issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation were discussed between the two sides.

“Security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan was also discussed,” said the statement. “The interior minister informed the meeting about the measures taken for the safety of Chinese nationals and said that their security was our national responsibility. He also said that instructions had been issued to all relevant institutions to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens as per SOPs, it added.

The minister also said that any conspiracy to harm friendship of the two countries will not be allowed to succeed.

MQM-P delegation meets Naqvi

Meanwhile, a Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) delegation called on the interior minister and discussed the law and order situation in Karachi and the overall political scenario in Sindh.

A statement issued after the meeting said that the delegation, which comprised Federal Minister for Education and party convenor Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal, also discussed matters of mutual interests.

Mr Naqvi assured the delegation of playing his due role in resolving their issues.

“I will try my best to solve all your problems,” the statement quoted Mr Naqvi as saying. He also asked “everyone” to put personal differences aside and think about the country. “The serious problems faced by the country can be solved only with the consensus of the political parties,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2024