Court petition of Chinese nationals not legally valid, says Lanjar

Talking to the media outside the Sindh Assembly on Monday, Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar claimed that the Chinese nationals’ petition filed with the court is not legally valid.

Lanjar said the Foreign Act is binding on all foreign nationals, so Chinese nationals must also follow the due procedure. He said the Chinese nationals should have approached their consulate general or the Foreign Office.

He explained that the Chinese petitioners came to Pakistan privately, and they do not have any investment here. “We have respect and honour for Chinese nationals, and provide them foolproof security. But when someone does not follow the SOPs, the situation worsens.”

He said that it would have been better if this issue had been brought through the Chinese Consulate General. “Police have met with the Chinese consul general, and I will also meet the CG so that he can come up with a policy statement.”

Earlier, after the petition was filed by two Chinese nationals, the Sindh police had issued a statement to clarify that they are bound to implement the instructions and the SOPs issued by the federal and provincial governments for the safety of Chinese guests. “Sindh police are ensuring all possible measures for foolproof security arrangements for the safety of Chinese nationals.

“The aim of the Sindh police is to provide convenience and security to Chinese investors, and coordination is done at various levels for this. The responsibility of the security of the Chinese nationals associated with non-CPEC projects lies with the Sindh police and local sponsors.

“In view of the security protocol, sponsors are informed from time to time, and are also checked by SPU officers to ensure the implementation of the SOPs. “Security lapses and gaps are checked to ensure strict implementation of the SOPs, and steps are taken under law and the SOPs to close the security gaps.

“Sindh police will ensure implementation of the instructions issued by the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Sindh regarding the safety of Chinese nationals so that a safe environment can be provided to Chinese investors.”