Chinese in Pakistan told to stay alert after six killed in suicide bombing
Islamists mostly operate in Pakistan’s north-west, the area where the convoy was attacked.
A separate police source said the convoy was carrying staff of the construction firm China Gezhouba Group Company working on the Dasu hydropower project – the same company targeted in 2021. Construction work ceased for months after that attack.
China’s embassy in Pakistan demanded a new investigation.
“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan have immediately launched emergency work, demanding that the Pakistani side conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, severely punish the perpetrators, and take practical and effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens,” it said in a statement.
It also warned Chinese citizens to stay abreast of the situation and strengthen security measures. It said China would work more resolutely with Pakistan to do its utmost to maintain the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Beijing next week, according to a source in the Prime Minister’s Office, his first since taking office following February elections.
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After the attack, Sharif went to the Chinese embassy to offer condolences to the victims’ families and the Chinese government, the embassy said on Wednesday.
A Pakistani military statement said the attacks were aimed at destabilising the internal security situation, accusing “foreign elements” of aiding and abetting such incidents in the country.
It said strategic projects and sensitive sites vital to Pakistan’s economic progress were being targeted in an effort to sabotage it and sow discord between Pakistan and its allies, most notably China.
Pakistan’s Indian Ocean port of Gwadar, on the route to key Gulf shipping lanes, is managed by China, while nearby naval air base Siddique is used to support security and development work, spearheaded by Beijing, in Balochistan.
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Both were attacked in recent days by Baloch separatists.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar condemned Tuesday’s attack and said Pakistan would continue to fight back against militants.
Pakistan’s foreign office said the life and safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan was of paramount importance.
“Pakistan will continue to work with our Chinese brothers in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” it said in a statement.
Reuters
