China Suspends All Ground Operations In Gwadar After Attacks Across Balochistan | Exclusive

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 12:58 IST

A top security source confirmed that Chinese nationals will no longer be physically present in Gwadar for the time being, with all projects placed under temporary suspension

All Chinese ground staff posted in Gwadar have been evacuated through special flights, effectively halting Chinese-led on-site activity in the region. (AFP)

China has temporarily suspended all on-ground operations in Pakistan’s strategic port city of Gwadar and withdrawn its personnel following a recent coordinated attack in Gwadar and parts of Balochistan, top security and diplomatic sources have told CNN-News18.

Senior officials aware of the development said all Chinese ground staff posted in Gwadar have been evacuated through special flights, effectively halting Chinese-led on-site activity in the region. While China had already scaled down its presence to a limited number of engineers and technicians, the latest decision marks a complete pause in physical operations.

A top security source confirmed that Chinese nationals will no longer be physically present in Gwadar for the time being, with all projects placed under temporary suspension. “This is a precautionary and temporary move. The overall security situation in Balochistan, particularly in Gwadar, is under review," a senior source at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said.

Despite the withdrawal of Chinese staff, Pakistani support personnel will continue ground-level work related to Chinese-funded projects. Chinese teams, meanwhile, will monitor developments and address technical or administrative issues remotely, sources said.

The decision follows a recent coordinated militant attack targeting infrastructure and security installations in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan, raising renewed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals involved in development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to a senior Chinese source, China has emphasised that the suspension does not signal a withdrawal from Gwadar or CPEC-linked investments. “All operations have been paused purely for security reassessment. Once additional security measures and an overhaul of safety protocols are in place, Chinese staff will be re-posted and work will resume," the source said.

Gwadar, seen as a cornerstone of China’s regional connectivity and trade ambitions, has long been vulnerable to insurgent violence. Attacks targeting Chinese interests in Balochistan have increased pressure on both Islamabad and Beijing to enhance security arrangements for foreign workers.

Officials stressed that the current suspension is temporary, but its duration will depend on the effectiveness of new security measures and stability on the ground.

News world China Suspends All Ground Operations In Gwadar After Attacks Across Balochistan | Exclusive

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