Chinese investors move SHC against 'corruption, mistreatment' of police

Chinese investors have approached the constitutional bench of the Sindh High Court, seeking assistance in response to alleged mistreatment by the Sindh police.

A group of six Chinese investors, represented by their attorney Mehsud Advocate, has petitioned the SHC for justice and protection against harassment and extortion by the police.

The Sindh High Court has requested a response from the relevant authorities within a four-week timeframe.

The investors informed the court that they require safety assurances; otherwise, they may consider relocating to Lahore or returning to China.

The petition includes the Federal Interior Ministry, the Chief Secretary of Sindh, the Inspector General of Police, the Home Secretary of Sindh, and the Head of the Special Unit for CPEC Security as respondents. Additionally, officials from the Malir police, the Chinese embassy, and other parties have been included in the petition.

The investors asserted that they came to Pakistan to invest at the invitation of the Prime Minister and the Army Chief.

They reported that they are often asked for bribes during their transit from the airport to their residences. Furthermore, they stated that they are made to wait for extended periods at the airport under the pretext of securing bulletproof vehicles.

The applicants claimed that their residences are frequently surrounded in the name of security, and they have been locked out of their own homes.

They argued that these actions infringe upon their right to free movement and hinder their ability to conduct business meetings.

The counsel for the investors indicated that a bribe of Rs50,000 is often required for them to be permitted to move freely and engage with others.

The petitioners also noted that three Chinese women investors returned to China after experiencing disrespect at the Expo Centre in Karachi. They reported that seven factories owned by Chinese investors have been sealed by the Sukkah Police Station.

The petitioners urged the Sindh High Court to uphold their rights in accordance with international law.