ISLAMABAD (DAWN) Pakistan and China on Monday formed a joint task force to ensure foolproof security of the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

The accord was signed by Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah and Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Javed Iqbal Cheema said.

The task force, co-headed by the Interior Secretary and the Chinese Ambassador, would have its branches at the provincial level. Additional Interior Secretary Imtiaz Qazi, Brig. Javed Iqbal Cheema and three senior officials of the Chinese Embassy are members of the task force. Home secretaries, inspectors general of police and Chinese consuls will be the members of the task force at the provincial level.

The Interior Ministry spokesman said the first meeting of the task force would be held within the shortest possible time to finalize aims and objectives of the task force and distribution of responsibilities.

He said the task force was being formed on the desire of the Chinese government to formulate strategies and provide guidelines to the local law-enforcing agencies for the security of Chinese nationals and arrange meetings in this regard.

The task force has been established in view of increasing incidents of terrorism in this country in which Chinese nationals were targeted.

Meanwhile, sources told Dawn that the government had increased "invisible security" of all Chinese nationals working in the country.

The sources said the Interior Ministry had directed the intelligence agencies to provide complete information about Chinese nationals so that better security could be provided to them.

According to a report submitted to the Interior Ministry by a civil intelligence agency, some 400 Chinese nationals are residing only in Islamabad and their total number in Pakistan is stated to be over 3000.

The sources said under the "invisible security" cover, the movement and activities of all Chinese citizens were being monitored.

The intelligence agency informed the government that Chinese nationals have been provided private security guards in their offices and recreational places. However, it recommended police security at these places on the weekend.

The agency also suggested deployment of police guards at the residences and workplaces of Chinese nationals and during their transportation.

The government has also been urged to enhance security in and outside the Islamabad Airport and Diplomatic Enclave in the capital which houses about 40 foreign Embassies.