Chinese Investors File Petition in Sindh High Court Over Police Harassment, Extortion

Six Chinese investors on Friday approached the Sindh High Court seeking protection from alleged harassment and extortion by police officials in Karachi, according to ARY News.

In their petition, the investors accused the local police of demanding bribes from the airport to their residences and creating obstacles in their daily activities. They expressed frustration over the “culture of bribe” in the police force, warning that they may have to relocate to Lahore or return to China if the situation persists.

The petition named several respondents, including Pakistan’s Federal Ministry of Interior, Chief Secretary Sindh, Inspector General of Sindh Police, and the Chinese Consulate, urging action against the alleged misconduct.

The Sindh High Court took notice of the petition and issued directives for all respondents to submit their replies within four weeks.

The investors pointed out that they were invited to Pakistan by the country’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to support the nation’s economic development. Despite this, they claimed to face persistent harassment and a lack of protection from local authorities.

This is not the first instance of Chinese nationals reporting security concerns in Pakistan. On December 15, a Chinese company working on the Indus Highway in Kashmore-Kandhkot received an extortion demand from a notorious bandit, according to ARY News. The bandit allegedly demanded PKR 5 million, two mobile phones, and a motorcycle, threatening harm to workers if the demands were not met.

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had notified the Sindh government, local police, and administration about the threats, expressing dissatisfaction with the security arrangements.

Additionally, Karachi has witnessed violent attacks targeting Chinese nationals, including a tragic explosion near Jinnah International Airport, which killed three Chinese citizens.

The growing concerns over investor safety and harassment in Pakistan risk straining ties between the two nations, especially as China plays a pivotal role in Pakistan’s development projects through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).