Synopsis
Six Chinese nationals have retracted their harassment complaint against Karachi police after assurances from the Sindh government of a full investigation. This development comes just before President Asif Ali Zardari's trip to China, highlighting the importance of the issue for Pakistani authorities.Key Takeaways
- Chinese nationals withdrew their complaint against Karachi police.
- Assurances from Sindh government led to this decision.
- The incident is significant ahead of Zardari's visit to China.
- Security for Chinese citizens in Karachi has been tightened.
- Authorities aim to resolve the issue quickly.
Karachi, Feb 3 (NationPress) A group of six Chinese nationals who had previously lodged a complaint against the local police in Pakistan's port city of Karachi chose to withdraw their allegations of harassment on Monday. This decision came after assurances from the provincial government in Sindh regarding a comprehensive investigation, just one day before President Asif Ali Zardari embarks on a five-day visit to China starting Tuesday.
The group, which operates various businesses in Karachi, initially filed their complaint with the Sindh High Court (SHC) on January 25, detailing their experiences of harassment and ill-treatment by local police under the guise of security measures.
In their petition, they emphasized that, similar to countless other Chinese citizens, they had come to Pakistan after completing all necessary legal requirements and invested significantly in different business ventures.
However, they alleged that the Sindh police had subjected them to ongoing harassment over the past seven months, including imposing restrictions on their movement within both Karachi and Sindh.
The petitioners claimed they faced unwarranted detentions at their homes on the pretext of security concerns, without any legal basis or specific incidents. They accused police officers stationed at their residences of soliciting bribes ranging from Rs 30,000 to 50,000 for allowing them to go out.
Additionally, they reported that local police had sealed seven industrial units belonging to fellow Chinese nationals under the claim of security issues, doing so without any formal notice. Many Chinese business owners are now contemplating shutting down their operations in Sindh and relocating to Lahore, or possibly leaving Pakistan altogether due to the unfair treatment from authorities.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) had previously issued notices to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, and its Consulate in Karachi, along with both provincial and federal law officials, requiring responses to the allegations made by the Chinese nationals.
However, the Chinese nationals have opted to withdraw their complaint after receiving commitments from both provincial and federal governments that the matter would be investigated and those responsible for any misconduct would be held accountable.
Insiders indicate that this situation has become a priority for Pakistani authorities, especially with President Zardari's upcoming trip to Beijing.
The Pakistan Foreign Office confirmed that Zardari will be visiting Beijing from February 4 to 8.
"At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Asif Ali Zardari of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will pay a state visit to China from Feb 4-8," stated a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.
Pakistan aims to resolve the harassment claims against Chinese nationals before the President's visit to Beijing.
The security arrangements for Chinese citizens across Pakistan, particularly in Karachi, have been intensified following a tragic incident last October, where a blast near the Karachi International Airport resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. China had strongly condemned the incident and urged Islamabad to ensure the safety of its citizens operating in the country.
