Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a thorough joint investigation into the deadly terrorist attack on Chinese nationals in the troubled province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This comes after five Chinese nationals were among six persons killed on Tuesday when an explosives-packed vehicle rammed into their bus near the Dasu hydropower project, which is being constructed with Chinese involvement.
The attack, the second of its kind since 2021 targeting personnel working on the China-backed hydropower project, has raised serious concerns about the safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif, during an emergency meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Army chief General Asim Munir and attended by federal ministers and provincial officials, emphasized the need for a swift and thorough investigation into the incident.
In response to Beijing’s calls for action, Sharif assured that the perpetrators of this “barbaric act” would be swiftly brought to justice. He also expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the strong bond between Pakistan and China, condemning the attack as an attempt to disrupt their friendship.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Pakistan to expedite the hunt for the attackers, ensure justice for the victims, and enhance security measures for Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. The meeting participants echoed a resolute commitment to combating terrorism, stressing the need for a regional approach to address terrorist sanctuaries.
The Counter Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has initiated an investigation into the suicide bombing, with the Pakistani government forming a joint investigation team to probe the incident. Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s determination to eradicate terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens and foreign nationals, including Chinese workers contributing to Pakistan’s development projects.
The attack has highlighted the challenges of ensuring security in the region, especially for foreign personnel involved in large-scale infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. With no group claiming responsibility yet, the investigation will be crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the tragic attack.
Sources By Agencies
