Chinese are safe in Pakistan, says Sherpao

The safety of Chinese citizens living in Pakistan is the Interior Ministrys responsibility, said Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Monday.

Islamabad, June 26 : The safety of Chinese citizens living in Pakistan is the Interior Ministry's responsibility, said Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Monday.

He was talking to reporters at the Beijing Capital Airport with reference to the recent hostage crisis involving the abduction of nine Chinese by Lal Masjid students.

Sherpao said the objective of his visit to China was to "expand the scope of bilateral cooperation between the two ministries on security issues".

Referring to the assistance provided by China to Pakistani security agencies, including provision of equipment to police, Sherpao was quoted by the Daily Times as saying that the assistance would help in the capacity building of Pakistani police.

Sherpao is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Zhou Yongkan on Tuesday. He is also scheduled to visit the Niu Jie Police station where he will be briefed about the working of the Chinese police.

He was received by senior officials of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and Pakistani Ambassador to China Salman Bashir.

ANI