Important decisions related to security expected in Apex Committee meeting today

The upcoming meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP)'s Apex Committee, convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is set to address crucial national security issues, including the security of Chinese workers in Pakistan. This high-stakes meeting will take place at the PM House in Islamabad at 1 pm on Saturday.

### Key Participants:

- **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (Chair)**
- **Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir**
- **Federal Ministers**
- **Chief Ministers of the Four Provinces**
- **Inspector Generals of Police**

### Agenda Highlights:

1. **Security of Chinese Workers:**
   - A detailed briefing on measures for the security of Chinese workers in Pakistan will be provided.
   - This follows recent assurances given to China about the safety of their nationals, particularly those involved in projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
   - Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently discussed security enhancements with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong, including the creation of a specialized security force (SPU) for foreign nationals in Islamabad.

2. **National Security Decisions:**
   - The committee will deliberate on broader national security issues, addressing the ongoing challenge of extremism in Pakistan.
   - The meeting will include updates on meetings with investors from Saudi Arabia and China, reflecting the importance of securing foreign investments and workers in the country.

### Context:

- **Security Challenges:**
  - The CRSS Q1 2024 Security Report highlights significant security challenges, with 92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
  - The report recorded 432 violence-linked fatalities and 370 injuries in the first quarter of 2024, underscoring the critical need for enhanced security measures.

- **Recent Developments:**
  - On June 16, Pakistan reassured China of its commitment to protecting Chinese citizens and combating terrorism through comprehensive and effective security measures.

### Expected Outcomes:

- **Enhanced Security Measures:**
  - Implementation of comprehensive SOPs for the protection of Chinese workers.
  - Strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation with a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
  
- **Strategic Decisions:**
  - Potential new strategies and policies to tackle extremism and improve overall national security.
  - Reinforcement of Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding foreign investments and ensuring a secure working environment for international partners.

This NAP Apex Committee meeting is pivotal as it addresses both immediate security concerns and broader strategies to combat extremism, ensuring the safety of international workers and fostering a secure environment for economic collaborations.