Chinese involved in criminal offences in Pak to be tried

Amid reports of Chinese nationals in Pakistan engaging in criminal activities, authorities in Punjab have warned that those who breach the law of the land would be tried in the country, according to a media report today.
The matter was discussed and an understanding was reached at a joint working group meeting of the Punjab home department, which was presided over by an additional secretary and vice consul general of China, the Dawn reported.
Pakistan has witnessed a rapid increase of Chinese nationals on its soil in recent years due to development projects and joint ventures under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Some Chinese expatriates, however, have been found involved in criminal activities such as fighting and fraud.
During the session, it was decided to share details of the offences committed by the Chinese nationals in Pakistan with the Chinese consul general in Lahore through the home department.
The Chinese consul expressed his concern over the involvement of Chinese expatriates in criminal activities.

He said that China had no objection if legal action was taken against their nationals found involved in criminal activities provided the action was on merit and as per the law of the land, the report said.
A senior police official of Pakistan special protection unit said that no major offence committed by Chinese nationals working on development projects in his jurisdiction had come into his notice so far, the daily reported.

However, he said, minor offences like over-drinking was common.
In March, two Chinese nationals were arrested by a Pakistani law enforcement agency for ATM skimming fraud.