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China urges Pakistan to solve Chinese citizen's killing

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BEIJING, CHINA: China on Tuesday urged Pakistan to rapidly bring perpetrators to justice after unidentified gunmen shot at two Chinese nationals in the southern city of Karachi, killing one of them.

The two Chinese were in their car in an upmarket area on Monday when the attackers in another car opened fire on their vehicle, according to police, describing it as an apparent “targeted attack”.

One of the Chinese suffered two bullet wounds to his head and later succumbed to his injuries, the head of the government hospital said.

Police acquires data from slain Chinese national’s phone

“The consulate general of China has sent officials to the hospital and urged the police to solve the case as soon as possible and bring the criminals to justice,” foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told a regular briefing.

The two Chinese were working for a shipping company. Thousands of Chinese engineers and technicians are working in Pakistan.

China is ramping up investment as part of a $54 billion project known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, upgrading infrastructure, power and transport links between its far-western Xinjiang region and Pakistan’s Gwadar port.

Last October, Pakistan confirmed the death of two Chinese nationals who were kidnapped in the southwestern city of Quetta, months after the Islamic State group claimed it had killed them.

Chinese national shot dead in Karachi

When asked whether Beijing was concerned about the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, Geng noted Pakistan’s government and military have taken a series of counterterrorism and social security measures.

“We support Pakistan’s relevant actions to safeguard national security and we believe Pakistan will continue to take measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Pakistan,” Geng said.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1627698/1-china-urges-pakistan-solve-chinese-citizens-killing/
 
Federal Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal has said that India could be involved in the target killing of a Chinese national in Karachi, according to Express News.

In an interview to BBC, the minister stressed that Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav had admitted that India’s intelligence agency was involved in sabotaging China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

“Representatives of our neighbour country have gone on record to say that India is against the deepening trade partnership between Pakistan and China,” Iqbal added.

Ahsan Iqbal takes a dig at Imran Khan for his ‘political naivety’

According to the interior minister, confessional statements by convicted spy Kulbhushan Yadav in this regard are evidence of India’s subversive activities in the region.

“Yadav has revealed that New Delhi continues to dedicate a sizeable amount of money towards covert operations that aim to sabotage CPEC projects,” Iqbal remarked.

Refusing to rule out Indian involvement in the targetted killing of a Chinese national, Iqbal added that, “The recent target killing of a Chinese national in Karachi is another link of this espionage chain. India could be involved in this.”

Ahsan Iqbal all set to wear three hats

The minister stated that the nefarious designs of the enemy would not succeed, and the relationship between Pakistan and China will only improve further.

“Pakistan has deployed a dedicated force consisting of 10,000 security personnel to protect CPEC-related economic interests,” Iqbal told the British agency.

The minister also entertained questions about the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and United States (US), saying that Washington had indicated that it would not withhold economic aid to Pakistan.

“There are different factions present within the US Congress, which work with different agendas. However, in talks with the US administration, we have received assurances that economic aid to Pakistan would not be affected by the current tensions.”

Gwadar master plan to be prepared in line with CPEC: Ahsan Iqbal

The federal minister was of the opinion that peace in the region was linked to co-operation and peaceful co-existence between the security forces of Pakistan and US.

“Pakistan is the only country in the world which can be of tremendous help to the US for peace in Afghanistan. In order for that to happen, the countries should make joint efforts, and refrain from criticising each other.”

Ahsan Iqbal dismissed recent allegations by the US and Afghan governments that Pakistan was providing safe haven to militants.

“Kabul is lying when it says that those handed over to it by Pakistan a few weeks ago were refugees and not terrorists.”

According to a report by the western media, US has already lost control of at least 50 per cent of its territory in Afghanistan, Iqbal said.

“Why would these militants want a safe haven in Pakistan?” he asked.

https://tribune.com.pk/story/162943...killing-chinese-national-karachi-ahsan-iqbal/
 
Pakistan and China have the determination and ability to make terrorists pay the price for their actions, and any attempt to undermine China-Pakistan cooperation will not succeed, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a terrorist attack that killed five Chinese nationals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday.

"We strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep sympathy for the victims, and extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families," Lin said.

Noting that some other countries have also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the Chinese victims, Lin said China is grateful for that.

He said that immediately after the incident, China's foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Pakistan triggered an emergency response mechanism. They have maintained close contact with the Pakistani side in Beijing and Islamabad, requesting that Pakistan accelerate the hunt for and subsequent punishment of the terrorist, seek justice for the victims, and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

The Pakistani side pledged that it would investigate the attack thoroughly, provide the Chinese side with timely updates on the progress of the investigation, and take further, comprehensive measures to improve the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Lin said.

He reiterated China's stance on terrorism: Terrorism is the common enemy of all human beings, and it is the shared responsibility of the international community to combat terrorism and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

China firmly supports Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts, Lin said. China will continue to support Pakistan's economic development, social development and the improvement of its people's livelihoods, he added, and it will undertake firm cooperation with Pakistan in various fields to bring benefits to the two peoples.

tribune.com.pk

Attempts to undermine Pakistan-China cooperation will not succeed | The Express Tribune

China vows firm support for Pakistan's counterterrorism, economic, and social development, pledging robust cooperation
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
FearlessRoar said:
Pakistan and China have the determination and ability to make terrorists pay the price for their actions, and any attempt to undermine China-Pakistan cooperation will not succeed, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to a terrorist attack that killed five Chinese nationals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday.

"We strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep sympathy for the victims, and extend sincere condolences to the bereaved families," Lin said.

Noting that some other countries have also condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the Chinese victims, Lin said China is grateful for that.

He said that immediately after the incident, China's foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Pakistan triggered an emergency response mechanism. They have maintained close contact with the Pakistani side in Beijing and Islamabad, requesting that Pakistan accelerate the hunt for and subsequent punishment of the terrorist, seek justice for the victims, and take concrete measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in the country.

The Pakistani side pledged that it would investigate the attack thoroughly, provide the Chinese side with timely updates on the progress of the investigation, and take further, comprehensive measures to improve the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, Lin said.

He reiterated China's stance on terrorism: Terrorism is the common enemy of all human beings, and it is the shared responsibility of the international community to combat terrorism and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.

China firmly supports Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts, Lin said. China will continue to support Pakistan's economic development, social development and the improvement of its people's livelihoods, he added, and it will undertake firm cooperation with Pakistan in various fields to bring benefits to the two peoples.

tribune.com.pk

Attempts to undermine Pakistan-China cooperation will not succeed | The Express Tribune

China vows firm support for Pakistan's counterterrorism, economic, and social development, pledging robust cooperation
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
Click to expand...
In my opinion, the back to back attacks on Chinese nationals and the assassination of them have already dented the relationship between Pakistan and China.
 
Somehow these attacks are linked with Afghanistan.

Since Pakistan started surgical strikes in Afghanistan these types of attacks have increased.
 
A day after six people, including five Chinese nationals, were killed in a suicide bombing in Bisham, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that a joint investigation team (JIT) would be formed to investigate the incident.

On Tuesday, six people, including Chinese nationals working on the Dasu dam project, perished in a suicide bombing in Shangla District’s Bisham when a suicide bomber rammed into the bus transporting the Chinese staff.

The attack prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable.

According to police, the bus was travelling from Islamabad to Kohistan when it came under the attack on Karakoram Highway. “It was a suicide attack on the Chinese convoy and an explosive-laden vehicle approaching from Kohistan hit the bus,” Bisham Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Juma Rehman told Dawn. SDPO Rehman said that following the attack, the bus caught fire and fell into the ravine.

“A huge amount of explosives were used in the attack, the force of which threw the bus into the ravine,” he said. The officer said that police cordoned off the area to collect evidence. “We have also collected body parts of the suspected suicide bomber from the site,” SDPO Rehman said.

Source: Dawn News
 
CTD asked to lodge Bisham attack FIR

The Bisham police submitted a report to the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) in Swat on Wednesday to lodge an FIR against unidentified perpetrators of a suicide attack that killed six people, including five Chinese nationals, on Tuesday.

Investigators said an explosive-laden Japanese hatchback car was used to target the bus transporting Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project at Dasu.

“We have obtained the close-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage from the bus and are investigating the matter,” Bakht Zahir Khan, the station house officer (SHO) of Bisham Police Station, told Dawn.

“It has been confirmed that a silver car was used in the attack,” he said, adding that the vehicle manufactured by a Japanese carmaker was laden with around 9 kilograms of explosives. He said security has been tightened in sensitive areas of Bisham and Dasu.

After the attack on Tuesday, a high-level security contingent was present at the site of the incident, including District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Khan, sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs), security officials, CTD investigation teams and Wapda security officials.

The CTD team collected evidence from the site and took CCTV footage from the second bus in the convoy.

The video, seen by Dawn, shows the car used by the suicide bomber moving slowly along the Karakoram Highway before the explosion occurred as the bus attempted to overtake it.

The intense heat from the blast destroyed the onboard security cameras, though police were able to recover evidence, including a mobile phone believed to belong to the suicide bomber and parts of the vehicle used in the attack.

DPO Imran Khan told Dawn that the CTD team “has almost traced the case”.

Work halted on Dasu dam

An official of the Dasu Hydropower Project told Dawn on condition of anonymity that Gezhouba Company, whose staff was killed in Tuesday’s attack, had suspended its operation at the site and asked the Chinese staff to stay at their accommodations until further orders.

Meanwhile, China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, visited a construction camp at the Dasu project, met Chinese nationals, and observed a minute of silence to pay condolences to the victims.

Mr Jiang encouraged the morale of the Chinese nationals working on the project. Wapda Chairman Sajjad Ghani also accompanied him on the visit.

SOURCE: DAWN
 
Bisham terror attack orchestrated by enemies of Pak-China friendship, FO says

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday that there was no doubt that Tuesday’s suicide attack in Bisham — which claimed the lives of six people including five Chinese nationals — was “orchestrated by the enemies of Pak-China friendship”.

The five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in the suicide bombing on Tuesday while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.

The attack prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable.

According to police, the bus was travelling from Islamabad to Kohistan when it came under the attack on Karakoram Highway. “It was a suicide attack on the Chinese convoy and an explosive-laden vehicle approaching from Kohistan hit the bus,” Bisham Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Juma Rehman told Dawn. SDPO Rehman said that following the attack, the bus caught fire and fell into the ravine.

“A huge amount of explosives were used in the attack, the force of which threw the bus into the ravine,” he said. The officer said that police cordoned off the area to collect evidence. “We have also collected body parts of the suspected suicide bomber from the site,” SDPO Rehman said.

Soon after the bombing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his cabinet members visited the Chinese embassy to assure Beijing about security for its citizens and promise a comprehensive probe into the suicide bombing.

On Wednesday, government reiterated its resolve to comprehensively combat terrorism by employing all resources available to the state and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. In response to the Chinese government’s demand to promptly investigate the incident and act against those involved, the government also decided to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the attack.

Today, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed a weekly press briefing where she said that Pakistan was contact with the Chinese government regarding the “heinous attack”.

She said Pakistan was “fully committed to bringing terrorists, and their facilitators and abettors to justice”.

“Such despicable attacks further strengthen Pakistan’s resolve in combatting terrorism in all of its forms and manifestations,” the FO spokesperson said.

“Pakistan and China are close friends and iron brothers. We have no doubt that the Bisham terror attack was orchestrated by the enemies of Pakistan-China friendship,” she stated.

“Together, we will resolutely act against all such acts and forces and defeat them,” Baloch said.

“Pakistan will continue to work with our Chinese brothers in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” she said.

Deaths of Chinese prompt renewed anti-terror resolve

The commitment to eradicate terrorism was echoed in an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The high-level meeting was also attended by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir, federal ministers, all chief ministers, chief secretaries, inspector generals of the provinces, chief secretaries, and IGs of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

It was decided in the meeting that the government would crush the resurgence of terrorism in the country at any cost.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz offered his deepest condolences to the victims’ families and assured them that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The premier said the whole nation was saddened by the loss of Chinese lives and also gave instructions for a thorough joint investigation to be conducted, utilising all state resources.

“The acts targeting Pakistan-China friendship are particularly aimed at creating mistrust between the two iron brothers,” the prime minister was quoted as saying in the official statement.

During the meeting, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir reiterated the resolve of armed forces to eliminate the scourge of terrorism afflicting the country. Noting the recent surge in terrorist incidents, Gen Munir underestimated the resilience and grit of the state and the people of Pakistan“.

“We shall not leave any stone unturned to ensure that every foreign citizen, especially Chinese nationals, contributing to the prosperity of Pakistan, is safe and secure in Pakistan. We shall fight terrorism with all our might, to the very end,” he added.

UNSC condemns attack

The UN Security Council (UNSC) also urged all UN member states to actively cooperate with Pakistan and China in apprehending the perpetrators of the Bisham attack.

In a statement issued in New York on Wednesday, the Security Council members strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly terrorist attack”.

The 15-state council, including the five veto powers, reaffirmed that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security”.

They emphasised the importance of apprehending perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of such reprehensible acts and ensuring their prosecution.

The council urged all states, in compliance with their obligations and relevant Security Council resolutions, to actively collaborate with the governments of Pakistan and China, as well as other relevant authorities, in this matter.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Pakistan Steps Up Security For Chinese Workers After Bombing​


Pakistan ramped up security guarding Chinese engineers building Beijing-linked projects in the nation's northwest, an official said Wednesday, a day after five workers were killed in a suicide bombing.

Beijing is Islamabad's closest regional ally and Pakistan has benefitted from billions of dollars of investment in recent years, but has struggled to guarantee the safety of Chinese migrant workers.

The five Chinese engineers -- plus their Pakistani driver -- were killed while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A high-ranking official from the provincial interior ministry told AFP on Wednesday that at the more than two-dozen sites hosting Chinese engineers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa security was stepped up.

"Directives have been issued to all law enforcement agencies to enhance security for Chinese nationals and all other foreigners," he said on condition of anonymity.

"Instructions have also been given to foreign nationals to restrict their movements."

Information minister Attaullah Tarar told a press conference in Islamabad that security procedures would be reviewed "with a focus on identifying and addressing any gaps".

Meanwhile, further details emerged about the attack, which has yet to be claimed by any militant group.

Local police officer Bakht Zahir said the five engineers killed near the city of Besham included four men and a woman, and that the bomber targeted the middle vehicle in a convoy of 12.

"The suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into the convoy in the middle, detonating himself, causing the Chinese engineers' vehicle to fall into a 180-foot-deep (55-metre) ravine and catch fire," he said.

Pakistan's domestic chapter of the Taliban is the most active militant threat in the region, but the group's spokesman denied involvement in a statement late Tuesday.

China has inked more than two trillion dollars in contracts around the world under its Belt and Road investment scheme, with billions pouring into neighbouring Pakistan and aiding its crumbling economy.

Since 2015, power plants, ports and transport projects have been under construction by joint Pakistani-Chinese teams in remote parts of the South Asian nation.

But Chinese workers have frequently been targeted by militants hostile to outside influence, with some complaining Pakistanis are not getting a fair share of wealth from the huge projects.

Tuesday's attack came just days after militants attempted to storm offices of the Gwadar deepwater port in the southwest, considered a cornerstone of Chinese investment in Pakistan.

It sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the foreign and interior ministers offering condolences in quick succession.

China's foreign ministry declared the countries "iron-clad friends" but asked Pakistan to "take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions".

www.barrons.com

Pakistan Steps Up Security For Chinese Workers After Bombing

Pakistan ramped up security guarding Chinese engineers building Beijing-linked projects in the nation's northwest, an official said Wednesday, a day after five workers were killed in a suicide bombing.
www.barrons.com www.barrons.com
 
'Shangla attack': Chinese army willing to work with Pakistan to deal with 'security challenges'

Following a deadly attack on Chinese engineers in Shangla, the Chinese military Thursday expressed its willingness to work with Pakistani side to enhance capability of the two countries to tackle various security risks and challenges including terrorist attacks and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Five Chinese and one Pakistani national were killed in a terrorist attack near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tuesday.

During his monthly briefing, China’s Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Colonel Wu Qian said: “The Chinese military is willing to work with Pakistani side to continuously enhance our capability of tackling various security risks and challenges especially our ability to responding to terrorist attacks and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.”

Responding to a question regarding participation of PLA tri-services contingent in the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, he said: “Chinese people often call Pakistan by our affectionate name for it’s iron-clad brother.”

China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, true friends and good brothers through thick and thin and share weal and woe, he added.

“Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of our two countries, our two militaries have maintained frequent and close high-level exchanges and achieved positive outcomes in areas including joint exercises and training professional exchanges, personnel training and equipment and technological cooperation,” the spokesperson added.

A day earlier, strongly reacting to Shangla terrorist attack, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir had said that the military "shall not leave any stone unturned to ensure that every foreign citizen, especially the Chinese nationals — contributing to the prosperity of Pakistan — is safe and secure in the country".

The army chief had reiterated the resolve of armed forces to eliminate the scourge of terrorism afflicting the country during an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Chinese nationals working on Dasu Hydel Power Project.

The COAS had also said that the nation had steadfastly fought the war on terror for the last two decades and had defeated the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s adversaries.

Noting the recent surge in terrorist incidents, Gen Munir had remarked that the enemies of Pakistan had once again "underestimated the resilience and grit of the state and the people of Pakistan".


GEO TV
 
Bisham terror attack won’t impact CPEC, says FO

The Foreign Office on Thursday said that the recent Bisham attack would not impact the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other aspects of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Re-emphasising both countries’ commitment to their strategic partnership and ongoing projects and highlighting the resilience of their collaboration, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch at the weekly media briefing said: “Pakistan and China are close friends and brothers and we will continue to work together to develop CPEC and to promote our cooperation.”

Six people, including five Chinese workers, were killed in a suicide attack on their van in Bisham on Tuesday, renewing concerns about the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.

Notably, this attack was part of a series of assaults in a span of a few days specifically targeting Chinese interests, including previous incidents at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and the Turbat naval base, both of which are integral to CPEC. These consecutive attacks underlined the escalating security challenges facing Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan.

The subsequent suspension of work on Tarbela Hydropower Extension project and the advisory from the Chinese embassy to Chinese businesses in Pakistan to “closely follow the local security situation and take extra safety precautions” further prompted fears that the Chinese companies could halt their activities on the pretext of security threat.

Pakistani optimism about CPEC not being affected comes from the assurances received from Beijing after the attack.

“Our two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship is deeply rooted in the two peoples. No attempt to sabotage China-Pakistan cooperation will ever succeed,” Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Lin Jian had earlier said in his comments on Bisham incident.

China, Jian had further said, “will continue supporting Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and efforts to make lives better for its people, and we remain firm in our commitment to working with Pakistan in various fields and delivering more benefit to the two peoples”.

Noting the Chinese statement, Ms Baloch said Beijing’s reaction highlights the strong bond and mutual understanding between the two countries, while acknowledging the efforts of malevolent forces to undermine CPEC and attack the symbols of China-Pakistani collaboration.

The spokesperson indicated that discussions regarding the safety and security of Chinese nationals, as well as the investigations into the Bisham attack, were being conducted at a “senior level” between the two countries.

Resumption of trade with India

Ms Baloch confirmed that the FO was reviewing a proposal for resumption of trade with India.

Recalling a statement by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar about the business community expressing interest in review of restrictions on trade with India, the spokesperson said: “Examination of such proposals is a regular exercise in the government of Pakistan, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we continue to consider all such requests and assess our policy.”

Trade between the two countries was suspended after India in 2019 illegally annexed occupied Kashmir.

The spokesperson emphasised that so far there was no change in Pakistan’s position on the issue.

Trade with Afghanistan

The spokesperson expressed optimism over the progress achieved in trade discussions with Afghanistan. These talks, held from March 24 to 27, 2024 were led by Commerce Secretary Khurrum Agha, who visited Afghanistan to engage with his counterpart, Minister for Commerce of Afghanistan Nooruddin Azizi.

The agenda of these crucial discussions encompassed a range of trade-related issues, including the potential establishment of a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement, the implementation of the Temporary Admission Document (TAD) for trade vehicle drivers, enhancements in multimodal air transit, and addressing the existing challenges in transit trade.

This progress in trade talks comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the two countries, primarily over concerns related to terrorist sanctuaries within Afghanistan. Islamabad recently took assertive measures, including the deployment of air force jets to target these sanctuaries, prompting retaliatory shelling of border areas by Taliban.

Israeli war on Gaza

Ms Baloch urged Israel’s international supporters to press Israel to adhere to the recently adopted UN Security Council resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in Palestine.

Despite the resolution, the spokesperson pointed out, the conflict in Gaza was persisting, with the Israeli offensive continuing unabated.

She highlighted the dire situation faced by the Palestinian people, including genocide and starvation.

Her statement underscored the critical need for international intervention to halt the suffering of the Palestinians and emphasised the necessity for an end to the violence, the lifting of inhumane siege, and the permission for humanitarian aid to reach all areas of Gaza.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

Chinese investigators arrive to join probe into Besham suicide attack​


Chinese investigators arrived in Pakistan on Friday to join a probe into the killing of five Chinese nationals in a suicide attack, the interior ministry said, seeking to stem assaults threatening Islamabad's drive to modernise the economy.

Tuesday's incident was the third major attack in little over a week on China's interests in Pakistan, where Beijing has invested more than $65 billion in infrastructure projects as part of its wider Belt and Road initiative.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the Chinese team of investigators at Beijing's embassy and briefed them on the investigation so far, said a statement issued by the government.

Two days earlier, officials shared with the Chinese embassy the preliminary findings of their investigation into the attack.

In late 2022, the two allied countries started a joint investigation into an attack that year on China's nationals and its interests, which have seen a rise in recent months.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack, in which a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a hydropower project at Dasu, killing six people.

The bombing followed a March 20 attack on Gwadar port used by China in Balochistan, where Beijing has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure projects, and a March 25 assault on a naval air base in Turbat.

Both attacks were claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), the most prominent of several separatist groups in Balochistan.

Dasu, the site of a major dam, has been attacked in the past, with a bus blast in 2021 killing 13 people, nine Chinese among them, although no group claimed responsibility.

Chinese interests are under attack primarily by ethnic militants seeking to push Beijing out of mineral-rich Balochistan, but that area is far from the site of Tuesday's bombing.

Pakistan has set up a dedicated force of police and military to ensure security for Chinese activities, officials say.

tribune.com.pk

Chinese investigators arrive to probe Besham suicide attack | The Express Tribune

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi meets Chinese team at Beijing's embassy
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Chinese investigators arrived in Pakistan on Friday to join a probe into Tuesday’s suicide attack in Bisham which claimed the lives of six people, including five Chinese nationals, according to the interior ministry.

The five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in the suicide bombing on Tuesday while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.

The attack prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met a Chinese team of investigators at Beijing’s embassy in Islamabad today and briefed them on the investigation so far, Reuters quoted a ministry statement as saying.

According to state-run Radio Pakistan, Naqvi assured the special investigation team that had come from China that the real culprits of the attack would be brought to justice.

Measures pertaining to the protection of Chinese nationals and overall security were also discussed on the occasion. The interior minister also met with the Chinese ambassador and updated him on the probe into the incident.

On Wednesday, the government had reiterated its resolve to comprehensively combat terrorism by employing all resources available to the state and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly.

In response to the Chinese government’s demand to promptly investigate the incident and act against those involved, the government had also decided to form a joint investigation team to probe the attack.

A day ago, the Foreign Office had said there was no doubt that the attack was “orchestrated by the enemies of Pak-China friendship”. It had asserted that the incident would not impact the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other aspects of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan.

Rise in terror attacks
The Bisham attack was part of a series of assaults in a span of a few days specifically targeting Chinese interests, including previous incidents at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and the Turbat naval base, both of which are integral to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These consecutive attacks underlined the escalating security challenges facing Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan.

The subsequent suspension of work on the Tarbela Hydropower Extension project and the advisory from the Chinese embassy to Chinese businesses in Pakistan to “closely follow the local security situation and take extra safety precautions” further prompted fears that the Chinese companies could halt their activities on the pretext of security threat.

Pakistani optimism about CPEC not being affected comes from the assurances received from Beijing after the attack.

“Our two countries are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our iron-clad friendship is deeply rooted in the two peoples. No attempt to sabotage China-Pakistan cooperation will ever succeed,” Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson Lin Jian had earlier said in his comments on the Bisham incident.

Jian had further said, “will continue supporting Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and efforts to make lives better for its people, and we remain firm in our commitment to working with Pakistan in various fields and delivering more benefit to the two peoples”.

In July 2021, 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, were killed when a coach carrying them to an under-construction tunnel site of the 4,300-megawatt Dasu hydropower project fell into a ravine in the Upper Kohistan area after an explosion.

Pakistan has set up a dedicated force of police and military to ensure security for Chinese activities, officials say. In late 2022, the two allied countries started a joint investigation into the killing of three Chinese teachers in Karachi along with their local driver.

Source: Dawn News
 

Trouble for Pakistan: After attack, Chinese firms suspend work on 3 projects, labourers plan to leave country​


The recent attack on Chinese workers in Pakistan has shaken their confidence and some of them are planning to leave the country, a security analyst said on Sunday. Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, said that the recent terrorist attack on the Chinese engineers' vehicle is having consequences. "Chinese companies have suspended work on at least three critical hydropower projects: the Dasu dam, the Diamer-Basha dam, and the Tarbela 5th Extension," he wrote in an article published in Dawn.

Last Tuesday, the terrorist attacked a vehicle carrying Chinese engineers in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla. At least five Chinese nationals were killed in the attack, prompting Beijing to demand a "thorough investigation" from Islamabad.

"The attack has caused significant alarm. Apart from disrupting these vital infrastructure projects, it has shaken the confidence of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. Reports indicate some are considering leaving the country due to safety concerns," Rana wrote.

Thousands of Chinese personnel are working in Pakistan on several projects being carried out under the aegis of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The analyst said the Pakistani government has repeatedly pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, the recent incident has eroded trust and Chinese social media reflects growing anxiety, with calls for stricter security measures to protect Chinese lives.

Whenever a major terrorist incident occurs in the country, the media, security experts, and even state institutions start to make sweeping generalisations and the first and most well-known excuse cited is foreign involvement in the attacks, especially those targeting Chinese nationals or CPEC-related projects, he said.

Highlighting what may be triggering the attack on Chinese nationals, Rana said Shangla, upper and lower Kohistan, and Battagram districts of the Hazara region in KP and the adjoining Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan share religious, social, tribal, ethnic, and cultural codes.

He said the region has been frequently in the news due to 'honour' killings, burning of girls' schools, and the killing of Shia travellers. Recently, it has gained notoriety for attacks on Chinese workers involved in development projects in the area.

According to the analyst, many in the region believe that dams and wider roads will trigger urbanisation, women's emancipation, and modernisation, which they perceive as threats to their religion and culture. He said the dominant trend suggests that most people are happy with the compensation money and employment prospects.

"However, this doesn’t diminish the level of religious extremism present. Some residents may sympathise with the Uighur community in Xinjiang, and others may dislike the presence of foreigners on their land. These factors could be nurturing negative perceptions about Chinese nationals in the region."

www.businesstoday.in

Trouble for Pakistan: After attack, Chinese firms suspend work on 3 projects, labourers plan to leave country

The recent terrorist attack on the Chinese engineers' vehicle is having consequences, said an analyst
www.businesstoday.in www.businesstoday.in
 
I was already expecting it because not once but chinese citizens are being targeted more often.
 
Apparently Americans are back in business in Pakistan, I heard their drones are operating again via Pakistan ? not sure how true this is. If Americans are indeed back in Pakistan, they will disrupt Chinese interests with Jihadi strikes etc, China is in for some harsh times ahead.... Operating via Pakistan was always going to be a risky proposition, Indians, Americans, Nato etc will do all that is required to sabotage the Chinese....
 
How about you solve the problem of not putting Uyghur population into concentration camps to abuse them and kill them by the millions and then we’ll talk?
 
apparently Shebaz had to go to Chinese embassy to apologize.

Sad really. leader of a country having to visit another country's embassy.
 
Thankfully for Pakistan, the price of a Chinese life is closer to an Indian/Pakistani life than it is to a US/UK life.

If Americans were killed in the fashion the Chinese wear, Uncle Sam would not be taking things as passively as tbe Chinese have been.
 
After all that China has done and continues to do for Pakistan in Pakistan this is how the country repays them.
 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Upper Kohistan’s Dasu on Monday to meet engineers from the Chinese company working on the dam project, according to Radio Pakistan.

The visit comes days after five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in the suicide bombing on March 26 while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.

Notably, this attack was part of a series of assaults in a span of a few days specifically targeting Chinese interests, including previous incidents at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and the Turbat naval base, both of which are integral to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These consecutive attacks underlined the escalating security challenges facing Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan.

The Bisham attack prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable.

According to the report by the state broadcaster, the premier was accompanied on his visit to Dasu by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.

The report said the premier will “express his condolences and solidarity with the Chinese engineers and workers over the recent terrorist attack on the Chinese nationals in Bisham”.

“The prime minister will also talk to Chinese engineers and workers on the occasion,” it said.

Bisham attack
According to police, the bus was travelling from Islamabad to Kohistan when it came under the attack on Karakoram Highway. “It was a suicide attack on the Chinese convoy and an explosive-laden vehicle approaching from Kohistan hit the bus,” Bisham Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Juma Rehman told Dawn. SDPO Rehman said that following the attack, the bus caught fire and fell into a ravine.

Soon after the bombing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his cabinet members visited the Chinese embassy to assure Beijing about security for its citizens and promise a comprehensive probe into the suicide bombing.

On March 27, the government reiterated its resolve to comprehensively combat terrorism by employing all resources available to the state and bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly. In response to the Chinese government’s demand to promptly investigate the incident and act against those involved, the government also decided to form a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the attack.

Source: Dawn News
 

Pakistani police arrest 12 people over suicide bombing that killed 5 Chinese workers​


Pakistani counterterrorism police in multiple raids arrested at least 12 suspects in connection with last week’s suicide bombing that killed five Chinese workers and their Pakistani driver in the volatile northwest, officials said Monday.

The detainees were not directly involved in the attack but they helped those who orchestrated Tuesday’s bombing targeting the Chinese, three police and security officials said. They said some of the detainees had links with Pakistani militants, adding that the suspects were still being questioned and other raids were ongoing.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media on the record. The officials said some of the detained suspects transported an explosive-laden car to Shangla, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where a suicide bomber rammed it into another vehicle, killing the Chinese workers.

The latest development came hours after the bodies of the five Chinese nationals were flown overnight from a military air base in the garrison city of Rawalpindi to Beijing, Pakistani officials and state media said.

The Chinese ambassador, Jiang Zaidong, was present at the Noor Khan air base when the bodies were brought there Sunday night. Zaidong in remarks conveyed his deep condolences to the families of the victims of the attack.

A Pakistani Cabinet minister, Salik Hussain, accompanied the bodies to China.

The slain Chinese were traveling to Pakistan’s biggest hydropower project, Dasu Dam, where they worked, when their vehicle came under attack.

On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also visiting Dasu Dam to meet with Chinese engineers and workers. Pakistani officials will also brief Sharif on the project’s progress.

Chinese and Pakistani investigators are conducting separate probes into the attack, which drew nationwide condemnation. China has also asked Pakistan to ensure the protection of its nationals working in various parts of Pakistan on projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Authorities say the Chinese bombing victims were heading to the project site amid tight security.

Other Chinese working on CPEC-related projects have faced similar attacks in recent years.

In July 2021, at least 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, were killed when a suicide bomber detonated explosives in his vehicle near a bus carrying Chinese and Pakistani engineers and laborers, prompting Chinese companies to temporarily suspend work.

www.arabnews.pk

Pakistani police arrest 12 people over suicide bombing that killed 5 Chinese workers

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani counterterrorism police in multiple raids arrested at least 12 suspects in connection with last week’s suicide bombing that killed five Chinese workers and their Pakistani driver in the volatile northwest, officials said Monday. The detainees were not directly involved in...
www.arabnews.pk www.arabnews.pk
 
FearlessRoar said:
Foolproof security should be provided, as their nationals are repeatedly being targeted.
Click to expand...
And here we go....

====================================================================

PM assures foolproof security for Chinese nationals​


Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday assured foolproof security measures for the Chinese nationals working on the Dasu Hydropower Project as well as across the country and resolved to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of the March 26 Besham incident.

A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, killing six people.

The Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P. Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway.

The Chinese engineers’ vehicle was thrown off the mountainous road into a deep ravine by the impact of the blast, killing all six on board, including five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver.

Addressing a gathering of the Chinese nationals working on the power project today, PM Shehbaz said that the government would ensure that the perpetrators and culprits of the March 26 incident should receive exemplary punishment so that it would serve as a lesson and deter anyone from committing such dastardly acts in the future.

The prime minister said that the sole purpose of his visit was to offer deep and sincere condolences and express feelings to the Chinese brothers and sisters in Dasu over a sad incident that took place on March 26, in which five Chinese and one local lost their lives.

He said that it was a cowardly act on the part of terrorists to kill innocent Chinese and a Pakistani citizen for no other reason than to disturb and damage the exceptional friendship between Pakistan and China.

Federal ministers Amir Muqam, Attaullah Tarar, Chairman WAPDA Lt General (retd) Sajjad Ghani, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Terming it a job of the enemies of Pakistan, the prime minister said that it was a dastardly act on the part of the perpetrators who found every opportunity to harm this friendship, which was strengthening with each passing day and expanding and moving forward with speed. “That is the reason enemies do not spare any opportunity to damage and create a wedge between the two iron brothers,” he added.

PM Shehbaz assured that the government would not leave any stone unturned and would not spare any opportunity to ensure the best possible security measures for Chinese families and nationals.

He also assured the Chinese leadership, the people, and the Chinese ambassador that all foolproof security arrangements would be made for the Chinese people working and supporting a prosperous and developing Pakistan.

The premier said that after the incident, he had visited the embassy immediately to offer condolences on behalf of his government and the people of Pakistan to the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people.

He informed that a joint investigation team was also constituted on the same day and its report was due anytime. He further assured that they would not waste time to act upon the recommendations of the inquiry committee in letter and spirit.

Besides, a high-level security meeting was held on March 27 in which they discussed better coordination with the provincial governments over additional security measures, he added.

The prime minister said that Pakistan-China friendship would march forward in unison and the enemies of CPEC and this exceptional relationship would be defeated completely.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that the prime minister visited the embassy and reassured security for the Chinese nationals.

He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for expressing solidarity, adding that they were ready to work together to further build their strategic partnership with Pakistan.

The gathering also observed a 30-second silence for those who lost lives in the tragic incident.

tribune.com.pk

PM assures foolproof security for Chinese nationals | The Express Tribune

Shehbaz says March 26 culprits to get exemplary punishment
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Have those Chinese workers been pissing off their Pakistani hosts too much? There was one incident when some Chinese workers beat up some Pakistan policemen, and another where a Chinese worker was held for blasphemy. How do we know that there may have not been other such incidents of Chinese thuggery, causing the Pakistanis to lose their patience....
 
Pakistan: Afghans among 12 detained over suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers

According to a top law enforcement official, Pakistani police have detained over 12 individuals, including Afghan nationals, in relation to a suicide bombing that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers and their driver last week.

Beijing is the closest regional ally of Islamabad and a major investor in Pakistan’s collapsing economy, but in recent times, Islamist extremists have regularly targeted Chinese nationals.

A suicide bomber struck and destroyed the car carrying the engineers and their Pakistani driver as they were heading towards the Dasu hydroelectric dam, which a Chinese company was building in northwest Pakistan.

Islamabad has accused the Taliban administration in Afghanistan of failing to control terrorists who support them, and has attributed a recent spike in assaults in Pakistan to that country’s neighbor.


www.firstpost.com

Pakistan: Afghans among 12 detained over suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers

A suicide bomber struck and destroyed the car carrying the engineers and their Pakistani driver as they were heading towards the Dasu hydroelectric dam, which a Chinese company was building in northwest Pakistan
www.firstpost.com www.firstpost.com
 
FearlessRoar said:
And here we go....

====================================================================

PM assures foolproof security for Chinese nationals​


Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday assured foolproof security measures for the Chinese nationals working on the Dasu Hydropower Project as well as across the country and resolved to ensure exemplary punishment for the perpetrators of the March 26 Besham incident.

A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, killing six people.

The Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P. Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway.

The Chinese engineers’ vehicle was thrown off the mountainous road into a deep ravine by the impact of the blast, killing all six on board, including five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver.

Addressing a gathering of the Chinese nationals working on the power project today, PM Shehbaz said that the government would ensure that the perpetrators and culprits of the March 26 incident should receive exemplary punishment so that it would serve as a lesson and deter anyone from committing such dastardly acts in the future.

The prime minister said that the sole purpose of his visit was to offer deep and sincere condolences and express feelings to the Chinese brothers and sisters in Dasu over a sad incident that took place on March 26, in which five Chinese and one local lost their lives.

He said that it was a cowardly act on the part of terrorists to kill innocent Chinese and a Pakistani citizen for no other reason than to disturb and damage the exceptional friendship between Pakistan and China.

Federal ministers Amir Muqam, Attaullah Tarar, Chairman WAPDA Lt General (retd) Sajjad Ghani, Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Terming it a job of the enemies of Pakistan, the prime minister said that it was a dastardly act on the part of the perpetrators who found every opportunity to harm this friendship, which was strengthening with each passing day and expanding and moving forward with speed. “That is the reason enemies do not spare any opportunity to damage and create a wedge between the two iron brothers,” he added.

PM Shehbaz assured that the government would not leave any stone unturned and would not spare any opportunity to ensure the best possible security measures for Chinese families and nationals.

He also assured the Chinese leadership, the people, and the Chinese ambassador that all foolproof security arrangements would be made for the Chinese people working and supporting a prosperous and developing Pakistan.

The premier said that after the incident, he had visited the embassy immediately to offer condolences on behalf of his government and the people of Pakistan to the Chinese leadership and the Chinese people.

He informed that a joint investigation team was also constituted on the same day and its report was due anytime. He further assured that they would not waste time to act upon the recommendations of the inquiry committee in letter and spirit.

Besides, a high-level security meeting was held on March 27 in which they discussed better coordination with the provincial governments over additional security measures, he added.

The prime minister said that Pakistan-China friendship would march forward in unison and the enemies of CPEC and this exceptional relationship would be defeated completely.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said that the prime minister visited the embassy and reassured security for the Chinese nationals.

He also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for expressing solidarity, adding that they were ready to work together to further build their strategic partnership with Pakistan.

The gathering also observed a 30-second silence for those who lost lives in the tragic incident.

tribune.com.pk

PM assures foolproof security for Chinese nationals | The Express Tribune

Shehbaz says March 26 culprits to get exemplary punishment
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
Click to expand...

Chinese firm resumes work on Diamer Bhasha dam project​


Power China and the China Gezhouba Group Company had halted work on a pair of dam projects last month after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver, causing their van to plunge into a deep ravine.

Hundreds of Chinese people are employed at the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dam construction sites, located around 100 kilometres (62 miles) apart in the mountainous region.

Power China resumed work on the Diamer Bhasha dam on Monday after security was "significantly increased", Nazakat Hussain, a spokesman for the project, told AFP.

And a security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the government hoped to convince the China Gezhouba Group Company to reopen the Dasu dam site next week.

There has been an increase in "the number of the security officials and also an expansion of patrolling teams" in the region, he added.

Police have detained more than 12 people, including Afghan nationals, in connection with the bombing.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Chinese workers earlier this week, vowing to put in place "foolproof" security arrangements and promising "exemplary punishment" of attackers.

Last week's attack came just days after terrorists attempted to storm offices of the Gwadar deepwater port in Balochistan, considered a cornerstone of Chinese investment in Pakistan.

In 2019, gunmen stormed a luxury hotel overlooking the port, which provides access to the Arabian Sea, killing at least eight people.

tribune.com.pk

Chinese firm resumes work on Diamer Bhasha dam project | The Express Tribune

Power China had halted work following a deadly attack on Chinese engineers in Besham
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

President reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to protecting Chinese workers​


He made this assurance during a meeting with Jiang Zaidong, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, at the presidency, as per an official statement.

The discussion between President Zardari and Ambassador Zaidong delved into matters of mutual interest, with a particular emphasis on bolstering counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat the threat of terrorism.

The tragic incident of March 26, wherein six individuals, including five Chinese engineers, lost their lives in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, was also addressed.

During the attack, an explosive-laden vehicle detonated as a convoy, transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad, passed by. This marked the second assault on Chinese workers at the Dasu project, following a similar terrorist attack in July 2021 that claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including nine engineers.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the March 26 attack, preliminary investigations point towards a network associated with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities have taken steps towards apprehending suspects, leveraging evidence such as the recovered SIM card from the suicide bomber, believed to be of Afghan nationality.

Further investigations reveal that the car used in the terrorist attack was non-custom paid and smuggled into Pakistan through the Chaman border. It remained stationed for 10 days at a petrol station near Shangla before being relocated to the attack site on the day the Chinese engineers were expected to travel to the area.

Sources familiar with the matter assert that Afghan soil likely played a role in facilitating the attack on Chinese engineers. Consequently, Pakistan intends to address this issue through diplomatic channels with Afghan authorities, aiming to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents targeting foreign nationals on Pakistani soil.

 
FearlessRoar said:
I hope there will never be another attack on Chinese citizens again.
Click to expand...

PM Shehbaz to personally oversee security of Chinese nationals​


Just days after an attack on Chinese engineers in Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the prime minister has directed all the security agencies to take all the measures to ensure fool-proof security of the Chinese citizens present in Pakistan.

The premier’s direction came during a high-level meeting regarding the law and order situation in the country. The meeting has taken place after six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of K-P province, on March 26.

An explosive-laden vehicle parked on the roadside blew up when the convoy, transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad, passed by. This was the second attack on Chinese workers at the Dasu project. In July 2021, a similar terrorist attack killed 13 people, including nine engineers.

In the meeting, PM Shehbaz directed to make a comprehensive plan of action for regular audit of security SOPs. “We will continue the war against the monster of terrorism until it is eradicated from the country,” PM Shehbaz said.

In addition, the premier directed the ministry of interior to increase cooperation with the provinces for the eradication of terrorism from the country and for bringing further improvement in the provincial anti-terrorism departments.

The premier’s direction came after the interior ministry gave a briefing to the prime minister regarding the overall security situation of the country and the performance of the ministry. Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi, heads of security agencies and relevant senior officials attended the meeting.

The recent killing of Chinese nationals and attacks of facilities linked to China have emerged as a test for new government. Soon after the attacks, PM Shehbaz had instructed to conduct a thorough joint investigation, saying the perpetrators of the barbaric act would be brought to justice swiftly.

A meeting attended by the federal ministers, chief of the army staff, chief ministers, chief secretaries and inspector generals of police of respective provinces had discussed in detail the attack on innocent civilians working on a development project, meant to contribute to energy and water security of Pakistan.

The COAS had reiterated the resolve of armed forces to eliminate the scourge of terrorism afflicting the country. Noting the recent surge in terrorist incidents, Gen Asim Munir had said that the enemies of Pakistan had once again underestimated the resilience and grit of the State and the people of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Pakistan had also decided to raise the issue of the use of Afghan soil in the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese engineers with the Taliban interim government, as the initial investigation suggested a link with Afghanistan.

Though no group has claimed responsibility for the March 26 attack, it was reported, initial investigations suggest a network linked to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was behind the incident. Authorities have made certain arrests since then based on the SIM card recovered from the suicide bomber, who is thought to be an Afghan national.

tribune.com.pk

PM to personally oversee Chinese security | The Express Tribune

Shehbaz chairs meeting to review law, order
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Mohsin Naqvi directs foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan

Chairing a meeting in Islamabad regarding security arrangements for Chinese citizens, he said protection of foreigners, especially Chinese citizens, is the top priority.

He directed to ensure implementation of SOPs for the safety of foreigners, especially the Chinese nationals.

Mohsin Naqvi said the enemy does not want the development and prosperity of Pakistan. He said we will never allow the nefarious designs of the terrorists to succeed.

The meeting was briefed about the arrangements made for the protection of foreigners, especially the Chinese nationals.

The directives days came after at least five Chinese nationals were killed in a terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Shangla distrct.

The five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in the suicide bombing, while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.

District Inspector General (DIG) of Malakand said that a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of foreign nationals that was on its way from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, Shangla.

“Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack,” the police officer said.

arynews.tv

Mohsin Naqvi directs foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday has directed foolproof measures for the protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, ARY News
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
FearlessRoar said:
It seems now China is quite active in protecting its citizens.
Click to expand...

Senior police officials to be ‘punished’ on PM’s orders over Besham tragedy​


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered at least five senior police officials be punished for negligence after a suicide bomber killed five Chinese engineers at a major dam site last month, Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Saturday.

The attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province forced Power China and the China Gezhouba Company to suspend work on two dam projects after the bombing killed the five workers and a Pakistani driver, sending their van into a deep ravine.

Hundreds of Chinese people are employed at the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dam construction sites, located around 100 kilometres (62 miles) apart in the mountainous region.

Tarar said that a committee appointed by the prime minister identified a regional official, three district officials and the director of security at the Dasu dam project for their "negligence" in fulfilling their duties.

"The prime minister has ordered immediate action against these officials," Tarar told a press conference in Lahore, without specifying what their punishment will be.

"The prime minister himself will be monitoring the security of Chinese (nationals). Those individuals who have shown negligence will be set as an example."

Tarar said that security matters regarding Chinese citizens would be "treated with utmost seriousness and any lapses will not be tolerated."

The information minister that the quick action was proof that no compromise would be tolerated on the security of the Chinese in future.

He further said that PM Shehbaz was personally supervising security matters pertaining to Chinese projects and the Chinese and an effective system was being evolved in this regard.

Operations by Power China have resumed at Diamer Bhasha while operations at China Gezhouba Group Company at Dasu remain closed.

Police have detained more than 12 people, including Afghan nationals, in connection with the bombing.

Beijing is Islamabad's closest regional ally, frequently offering financial assistance to support its often-struggling neighbour and pouring more than $2 trillion into infrastructure projects.

The security of Chinese workers is a major concern to both countries, with nationals frequently targeted by militants hostile to outside influence.

tribune.com.pk

Senior police officials to be ‘punished’ on PM’s orders over Besham tragedy | The Express Tribune

Info minister says individuals who have shown negligence will be set as an example
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Saturday announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered immediate action to be taken against five officials for negligence of duty based on the findings of an inquiry report on the Bisham suicide attack which claimed the lives of six people, including five Chinese nationals.

The development comes a week after five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in a suicide bombing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bisham while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.

The attack prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad had announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable. Chinese investigators had also arrived to join the probe.

In response to the Chinese government’s demand to promptly investigate the incident and act against those involved, the government had also decided to form a joint investigation team to probe the attack. A day ago, PM Shehbaz said he would personally oversee monthly security meetings for Chinese citizens working on development projects.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore today, Tarar reiterated the developments up till now in the matter and said an inquiry committee had submitted its findings, adding that the prime minister ordered action to be taken against certain officials in light of the report’s results.

Tarar stated that as per PM Shehbaz’s orders, the Hazara regional police officer, Upper Kohistan district police officer (DPO), Lower Kohistan DPO, the security director for the Dasu Hydropower Project and the commandant of the KP Special Security Unit would face disciplinary action.

“The inquiry report found these security officials were negligent in their duties and should have remained alert on the day of the incident,” he said, adding, “Disciplinary action will be taken within 15 days.”

The minister said that action taken on the inquiry report was an example of future matters regarding Chinese security being taken more seriously with no tolerance for any lacking or negligence.

Tarar added that the prime minister was personally supervising security matters pertaining to Chinese projects and an effective system was being developed in this regard.

“The government’s full attention is on maintaining security and nobody will be allowed to disturb the peace,” he reiterated, adding that all institutions were prepared to counter any security challenges.

“We pay homage to those who have laid down their lives in the war against terrorism.

Source: Dawn News
 

Female engineer among Chinese nationals killed in Besham attack: report​


A vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on March 26. The Chinese engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P.

Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway. The attack had forced Power China and the China Gezhouba Company to suspend work on two dam projects.

Preliminary findings from the report state that the vehicle transporting the foreign engineers was not up-armoured and lacked protection against bullets or explosions.

The report added that aerial photography of the incident site has been completed and the bus targeted by the suicide bomber was at a distance of around 15 feet from the second bus and the explosion threw it off the road into the 300-foot-deep ravine.

The Besham police station is situated approximately six kilometres from the site of the attack, while Dasu Dam is about 77 kilometres away, according to the report.

The report also stated that CCTV cameras were installed inside all vehicles in the Chinese convoy and the moment of the attack was captured through one such CCTV camera. The K-P police have recovered pieces of the vehicle utilized by the suicide bomber.

Yesterday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had ordered action against five officials over their “negligence” in light of an inquiry report on the suicide attack on March 26.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed a thorough joint investigation into the Besham terrorist attack. A joint investigation team was formed to probe the attack.

Later, the premier decided that he would review the meetings conducted regarding the security situation in the country in general and the security of the Chinese nationals working on different projects across the country in particular every month.

Hundreds of Chinese people are employed at the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dam construction sites. Operations by Power China have resumed at Diamer Bhasha. However, the China Gezhouba Group Company’s operations at Dasu remain suspended.

tribune.com.pk

Female engineer among Chinese nationals killed in Besham attack: report | The Express Tribune

Vehicle transporting foreign engineers not up-armoured and lacked protection, says report submitted to govt
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
‘Bus carrying Chinese was not bombproof’

A committee tasked with investigating the suicide attack in Bisham which killed six people last month has pointed out significant lapses in the security detail of the Chinese engineers and a blatant disregard for the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Sources said that a three-member committee, comprising two senior officials from the federal and one from the KP government, had been directed to assess if the movement of the Chinese nationals on March 26 was in accordance with the SOPs. Six people, including five Chinese nationals, were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus in Bisham, Kohistan.

On March 27, the government reiterated its resolve to comprehensively combat militancy and bring the perpetrators behind the attack to justice.

At the same time, it announced a swift probe as China demanded a thorough investigation into the deadly blast.

Probe finds glaring lapses in security detail of slain Chinese engineers; woman engineer also among dead

During the course of the probe, the investigators found that the bus transporting the foreign nationals was not even bulletproof, let alone bombproof, which is a requirement under the security SOPs.

Sources said that the committee pointed out multiple flaws in the provision of security to Chinese nationals. Sources said the committee was shocked to learn that “the vehicle carrying the Chinese nationals should have been bombproof but the vehicle was not even bulletproof”.

They further said the company “that was required to provide bullet- and bombproof vehicles to transport Chinese workers, and duly paid for, failed to meet its contractual obligations”.

Source : Dawn News
 

China ready to further strengthen security cooperation with Pakistan, says envoy​


Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that his country stands ready to further strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan.

The statement comes after the tragic incident of March 26, wherein six individuals, including five Chinese engineers, lost their lives in a suicide attack in Besham, a remote area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

During the attack, an explosive-laden vehicle detonated as a convoy, transporting Chinese engineers to the Dasu hydroelectric project site from Islamabad, passed by.

This marked the second assault on Chinese workers at the Dasu project, following a similar terrorist attack in July 2021 that claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including nine engineers.

“We should take the people’s security as ultimate goal, and effectively protect Chinese citizens in Pakistan. The people are the foundation of a country, and are also what the rule of a country is for,” the Chinese ambassador said.

He said that the national security work is ultimately to protect the interests of the people and enable them to live and work in peace and happiness.

“President Xi Jinping emphasised that we must always put the people first, put the life first, and ensure the life and security of the people. A holistic approach to national security takes the people’s position as the fundamental position, and emphasises that national security is for the people and relies on the people, which clearly reflects President Xi Jinping’s deep feelings for the people,” he added.

Ambassador Zaidong said that Chinese citizens in Pakistan actively participate in Pakistan’s national construction and promote China-Pakistan friendly cooperation. “We should do everything possible to protect their safety and value their contributions.”

He said that it was heart-wrenching that in the recent terrorist attack on 26th March, five Chinese citizens were deprived of their young lives.

“We hope and believe that the Pakistani side will speed up the investigation of the incident, find out the truth, severely punish the perpetrators, raise counterterrorism efforts, resolutely crack down on and root out the evil, and take all measures to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan, and create favourable conditions for advancing China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation and building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future,” he added.

The Chinese ambassador said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as an important signature project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, has effectively promoted Pakistan’s economic and social development since its launching 10 years ago, by bringing in 25.4 billion dollars of direct investment, 236 thousand jobs, 510 KM expressway, more than 8,000 megawatt of power and 886 KM core power transmission grid.

“It is now entering the new phase of building a corridor of growth, livelihood, innovation, greenness and openness. The 26th March terrorist attack showed once again that a secure and stable environment is critical to the practical cooperation between China and Pakistan and the building of CPEC,” he added.

He said that China stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Pakistan to defeat the evil attempt at disrupting the cooperation between the two countries, to safeguard development with security to promote security with development, and to advance high-quality CPEC cooperation.

“We should take the promotion of international security as a support, and further enhance China-Pakistan counterterrorism and security cooperation. While one chopstick is easy to break, a bunch of chopsticks are much more resilient. Faced with the chaotic international security situation, interwoven traditional and non-traditional security threats, and an ever-increasing number of terrorist attacks, all countries need to work together in addressing various security challenges for win-win results.”

Bonded by mountains and rivers, the Chinese ambassador said that China and Pakistan are closely linked in security interests. “We stand ready to work with Pakistan in jointly implementing the Global Security Initiative and building a peaceful and secure homeland. Moreover, the 26th March terrorist attack also showed how violence and terrorism are challenging the bottom line of human civilisation. We must take resolute actions to crackdown on them. China stands ready to further strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan, to maintain high pressure and rigorous operation, so as to decisively strike the rampant terrorism, effectively safeguard the lives and interests of our two peoples and jointly maintain regional peace and security as well as international fairness and justice,” he added.

He said that the strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations has become even more prominent. “Focusing on the new phase of our bilateral ties, we will stick to the guidance of the important consensus between President Xi Jinping and Pakistan’s national leaders, carry forward our traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly build an upgraded version of CPEC, continuously deepen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, stand shoulder-to-shoulder in facing global changes, and build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era,” he added.

In this significant process, he said that China stands ready to implement a holistic approach to national security together with Pakistan, to promote the Global Security Initiative for tangible results, and to write a chapter on security in building the China-Pakistan community with a shared future, so as to safeguard the common interests and benefit the two peoples during the centennial changes.

tribune.com.pk

'China ready to strengthen security cooperation with Pakistan' | The Express Tribune

Ambassador Zaidong urges Islamabad to take all measures to ensure protection of Chinese citizens
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
Mohsin Naqvi directs foolproof measures for Chinese nationals’ protection

Chairing a meeting to review implementation of National Action Plan at NACTA headquarters in Islamabad, he said any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated at all.

Mohsin Naqvi said strict disciplinary action will be taken for negligence in implementing the SOPs for the protection of foreign nationals.

The Interior Minister said we have to equip our departments with modern technology to eradicate terrorism. He said the Federation will provide all possible support to the provinces in this regard.

Mohsin Naqvi said miscreant elements will be permanently eliminated from the Kacha area through a joint operation. He said modern technology, including drones, will be used for joint operations in Kacha area.

Expressing satisfaction over the anti-smuggling operations, the Interior Minister said all departments must ensure strict legal action against smugglers.

arynews.tv

Mohsin Naqvi directs foolproof measures for Chinese nationals' protection

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said all security agencies including police should ensure complete implementation of SOPs for the protection
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Kohistan police beef up security for Chinese convoys

The Lower Kohistan police have beefed up security for Chinese convoys in the region to prevent terrorist attacks, said district police officer Dr Mohammad Umar on Monday.

“Besides fighting terrorism, we [the police] are also ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals associated with mega energy projects on our soil, especially on the Karakoram Highway,” the DPO told a function at the police lines.

He said stricter security measures were introduced for Chinese nationals to prevent terrorist attacks like the one that targetted a convey of Chinese engineers in Bisham lately.

Dr Umar was made the DPO last week following the suspension of his predecessor, Jamil Akhtar, by provincial police chief Akhtar Hayat Gandapur over the lapse of security in the March 26 Bisham suicide attack that killed five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver.

The DPO laid a wreath at the memorial to the martyred policemen and inspected the guard of honour by a police contingent on arrival at the police lines.

He said the police department had increased the number of personnel deployed on the Chakai checkpost and others on the KKH up to the Upper Kohistan district.

“No vehicle will be allowed to move ahead without thorough checking,” he said.

The district police officer warned that strict action would be taken in case of negligence on part of police personnel in the provision of foolproof security to Chinese workers on the Karakoram Highway.

“We prefer the lives of Chinese workers to ours in line with our traditions and will go to any extent to protect them,” he said.

SP (investigations) Tahirur Rehman, SDPO of Pattan Circle Raja Khan, SDPO of Bankhad Ranowalia Circle Aurangzeb Khan and SHOs of police stations from across the district attended the meeting.

MOTORCYCLES SEIZED: The traffic police have seized over 100 motorcycles for being driven by underage bikers in Mansehra city and its suburbs.

The action comes on the orders of the district police officer, according to chief of traffic police Wajid Khan.

He told reporters here on Monday that the police called the parents of those underage bikers to promise in writing that their children wouldn’t drive motorcycles again without licences.

Mr Khan said those undertakings would ensure the return of seized motorcycles to their owners.

He said underage bikers put their as well as others’ lives at risk in road accidents.

SOURCE: DAWN
 

CTD arrests ‘four key TTP men’ involved in Besham attack​


The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) claimed to have arrested on Monday four key operatives belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) involved in the Besham terror attack in which five Chinese nationals were killed last month.

On March 26, a vehicle-borne suicide bomber targeted a convoy escorting Chinese engineers in the remote Besham area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, killing six people, including the vehicle’s driver.

The Chinese engineers were en route their camp in Dasu – the district headquarters of the Upper Kohistan district of K-P - from Islamabad. Their vehicle was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, near Lahore Nala on the Karakoram Highway.

According to a Chinese Embassy statement, a Chinese company’s bus, carrying staff, working on the Dasu Hydropower Project, was hit by a terrorist attack at around 1pm. Malakand Deputy Inspector General Muhammad Ali Gandapur confirmed the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber.

The Chinese engineers’ vehicle was thrown off the mountainous road into a deep ravine by the impact of the blast. The security forces reached the spot, shut the strategic highway for traffic on both sides and launched an investigation.

CTD arrests

Terming the arrests as a ‘big headway’, the CTD K-P spokesperson in a statement identified the suspects as mastermind Adil Shehbaz, and Muhammad Shafiq Qureshi, Zahid Qureshi and Nazeer Hussain. All hail from district Mansehra.

The spokesperson said that “terrorist Shehbaz has admitted to playing a pivotal role in the execution of the Besham attack”.

He said action against the militants was taken after a joint investigation team (JIT) unearthed the terrorist network in assistance with all law enforcement agencies.

TTP hand confirmed

A week after the attack, the CTD confirmed that the terror attack was backed by the TTP. The report submitted stated that the authorities have nabbed the main facilitator who brought the suicide bomber from Afghanistan. It added that the explosives-laden vehicle was brought through Chaman to DaraZinda town in Dera Ismail Khan district for Rs0.25 million.

The CTD sources also said that the vehicle used was non-custom paid and was parked at a petrol station for a fee of Rs500 per day. Two facilitators were also arrested from Balochistan.

The report added that the CTD arrested over a dozen militants and facilitators of the Dasu suicide attack. Multiple raids have also been carried out to arrest the reported mastermind of the attack, Hazrat Bilal, who is also wanted in prior attacks on Chinese engineers.

China demands probe

The Chinese embassy and consulates general in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack and urged Pakistani authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and severely punish perpetrators.

In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and other officials, prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and the interior minister assured them that the government would hold a high-level and swift probe into the attack and take the culprits and their facilitators to task.

PM orders investigation

PM Shehbaz instructed for a thorough joint investigation into the Bisham terrorist attack, utilising all state resources.

The prime minister said, “Terrorism is a trans-national threat that has been instrumentalised by the enemies of Pakistan to stymie Pakistan’s progress and development. The acts targeting Pakistan-China friendship are particularly aimed at creating mistrust between the two iron brothers.”

tribune.com.pk

CTD arrests ‘four key TTP men’ involved in Besham attack | The Express Tribune

CTD terms arrests 'big headway', claims mastermind confessed to involvement in attack
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
The DG ISPR started the press briefing by addressing the tensions with Afghanistan and attacks mounted by terrorists from its soil into Pakistan.

He said the plot that killed five Chinese engineers in an attack on a convoy in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla on March 26 was hatched in Afghanistan.

“A sad incident took place on March 2 in Bisham where a suicide bomber targeted a car of Chinese engineers working on Dasu dam, as a result of which, five Chinese citizens and a Pakistan got killed.

“This suicide bombing also connects to across the border [in Afghanistan]; the planning of this terrorism [act] was done in Afghanistan. Terrorists and their facilitators were also being controlled from Afghanistan and the suicide bomber was also an Afghan [national].”

Gen Sharif said the army strongly condemned “this ugly game of terrorism” and is “taking all necessary actions to bring its facilitators to justice.”

TTP attacks from Afghan soil continue despite repeated complaints to Kabul

He said that in the war on terrorism, Pakistan’s soldiers, workers and law enforcement agencies have been martyred in huge numbers. “Everyone knows that Pakistan tried its best for peace in region and especially in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s role has been the most vital for peace in the region.

“Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for a long time and has helped Afghan refugees more than other country, which the world has also recognised.”

Gen Sharif said that despite all the efforts by Pakistan and despite pointing it out to the Afghan interim government on state level, “TTP terrorists are continuously committing acts of terrorism in Pakistan.”

He said that Pakistan presented “concrete evidence but no positive progress” can be seen yet.

Source: Dawn News
 
The Bald Eagle said:
The DG ISPR started the press briefing by addressing the tensions with Afghanistan and attacks mounted by terrorists from its soil into Pakistan.

He said the plot that killed five Chinese engineers in an attack on a convoy in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla on March 26 was hatched in Afghanistan.

“A sad incident took place on March 2 in Bisham where a suicide bomber targeted a car of Chinese engineers working on Dasu dam, as a result of which, five Chinese citizens and a Pakistan got killed.

“This suicide bombing also connects to across the border [in Afghanistan]; the planning of this terrorism [act] was done in Afghanistan. Terrorists and their facilitators were also being controlled from Afghanistan and the suicide bomber was also an Afghan [national].”

Gen Sharif said the army strongly condemned “this ugly game of terrorism” and is “taking all necessary actions to bring its facilitators to justice.”

TTP attacks from Afghan soil continue despite repeated complaints to Kabul

He said that in the war on terrorism, Pakistan’s soldiers, workers and law enforcement agencies have been martyred in huge numbers. “Everyone knows that Pakistan tried its best for peace in region and especially in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s role has been the most vital for peace in the region.

“Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for a long time and has helped Afghan refugees more than other country, which the world has also recognised.”

Gen Sharif said that despite all the efforts by Pakistan and despite pointing it out to the Afghan interim government on state level, “TTP terrorists are continuously committing acts of terrorism in Pakistan.”

He said that Pakistan presented “concrete evidence but no positive progress” can be seen yet.

Source: Dawn News
Click to expand...

​

Taliban reject claims of Afghan involvement in recent attacks in Pakistan​


The Taliban on Wednesday rejected claims of Afghan involvement in recent attacks in Pakistan, calling it “irresponsible and far from the reality.”

Pakistan’s military said Tuesday a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver in March was planned in neighboring Afghanistan and that the bomber was an Afghan citizen.

Maj. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, a spokesman for Pakistan’s army, has said that four men behind the March 26 attack in Bisham, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, had been arrested.

Enayatullah Khawarazmi, a spokesman for the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, said in a statement Wednesday that “blaming Afghanistan for such incidents is a failed attempt to divert attention from the truth of the matter and we strongly reject it."

“The killing of Chinese citizens in an area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that is under tight security cover by the Pakistan Army shows the weakness of the Pakistani security agencies, ” said Khawarazmi.

He added that the Islamic Emirate has assured China that Afghans were not involved.

Sharif said the Afghan Taliban had failed to honor promises they made to the international community before coming to power, vowing no one would be allowed to use Afghan soil for attacks against any country.

Khawarazmi countered that Afghanistan has evidence of Islamic state members coming to Afghanistan form Pakistan, and “Pakistan territory being used against us, for which Pakistan should answer."

abcnews.go.com

Taliban reject claims of Afghan involvement in recent attacks in Pakistan

The Taliban has rejected claims of Afghan involvement in recent attacks in Pakistan, calling it “irresponsible and far from the reality.”
abcnews.go.com abcnews.go.com
 
New SOPs developed for security of Chinese citizens: Interior Minister Naqvi

Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi said on Thursday that new standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been developed for the security of Chinese citizens across the country and strict implementation of the same is being ensured.

He was talking to Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Masha Jiang Zaidong, who called on him to discuss arrangements for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China.

Mr Naqvi welcomed the Chinese ambassador at the ministry while the Chinese ambassador congratulated him on assuming the office.

In the meeting, discussions were held about preparations for the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China and the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. The meeting also discussed the progress of investigations into the Bisham incident.

Mr Naqvi said the Bisham incident was an attack on Pakistan-China friendship and the elements involved in the incident would be brought to justice. He told the ambassador that he visited the Chinese consulates in Lahore and Karachi and met the consuls general.

The Chinese consuls general expressed their satisfaction with the security measures taken for Chinese citizens, the minister said.

“Pakistan will not allow any conspiracy to sabotage its relations with China,” Mr Naqvi said, adding that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and China span decades and no enemy can succeed in hurting them.

Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Agha, high officials of the Chinese embassy and relevant officers were also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, taking notice of the fire incident at the immigration counter of the Lahore Airport, Mr Naqvi sought a detailed report and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

The interior minister directed that the immigration counter be made functional as soon as possible for the convenience of passengers.

SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
 
Cabinet approves package for Chinese victims of Dasu terror attack

Pakistan will pay $2.58 million in compensation to the families of five Chinese engineers who were killed in March 26 terrorist attack on the vehicle carrying them, sources said.

Each family of a Chinese deceased working at Dasu Dam project will receive 5,16,000 US$ in compensation, sources said.

The cabinet approved the package in a circulation summary, according to sources.

Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing will pay relief amounts to the families of deceased Chinese workers.

The government will also pay Rs 2.5 million ($8,950) compensation to the family of the Pakistani driver who also died in the attack, sources added.

arynews.tv

Cabinet approves package for Chinese victims of Dasu terror attack

ISLAMABAD: Federal Cabinet has approved a package for families of Chinese nationals died in Dasu dam project terrorist attack, citing sources ARY News
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Attack on Chinese nationals: Pakistan urges Afghanistan to hand over TTP terrorists

In a major development, Pakistan on Sunday demanded the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan to hand over banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) terrorists involved in the Besham terror attack on Chinese nationals to Islamabad.

Addressing a joint press conference flanked by officials of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Necta), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said: “Whether Afghanistan try the terrorists [in the court of law] or not, it should hand over the militants to Pakistan.”

At least six people including five Chinese nationals were killed after a suicide bomber rammed into the bus transporting the staff working on the Dasu hydropower project in Bisham, Shangla district, in March this year.

Condoling the deaths of Chinese engineers in the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had said that the “cowardly attack” was aimed at creating a wedge between iron brother Pakistan and China.

In view of the investigation report, the interior minister said that the TTP operated the Besham terror attack on Chinese citizens from inside Afghanistan.

“[Pakistan has formally] requested the interim government in Afghanistan to arrest the leadership of [banned] TTP,” he added.

Over the past two years, Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its serious concerns to Kabul over the presence of terror outfits, including the banned TTP, inside Afghanistan. These terrorists pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security and have consistently used Afghan territory to launch terror attacks inside Pakistani territory.

“We have repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective action to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism against Pakistan. We have also called on them to deny safe havens to the TTP and to hand over its leadership to Pakistan,” the FO said in March.

Briefing the media about the progress of the probe, Naqvi said: “Probe agencies have prepared an investigation report."

He further said that they had concrete evidence that the TTP carried out the terror attack on the Chinese engineers and Afghan soil was used for it.

The security czar also said they wanted friendly ties with Kabul, adding that "it is only possible if they cooperate with Islamabad".

Responding to a question, he said the government had contacted the interim authorities in Kabul but “good results are not coming from there.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Afghanistan’s acting Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir, in his meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman in January this year, had reiterated that the Taliban government would not allow Afghan soil to be used against anyone but the authorities have failed to fulfil their promise.

Pakistan witnessed a sharp surge since peace talks between the TTP and the government collapsed in 2021. The TTP formally ended the ceasefire on November 28 and since then executed hundreds of terror attacks inside Pakistan.

Talking to journalists, the interior minister said that Pakistan gave great importance to its ties with China, adding that both friendly nations support each other at different global forums. “The security of Chinese nationals is very important to us.”

He said the government "is taking all possible measures to ensure the security of the Chinese nationals" in the country.

To another question about the suicide attack on the Chinese nationals, Naqvi said that it was a planned attack.

“The government knows very well which forces want to create a law and order situation in the country.”

'Vehicle used in terror attack came from Afghanistan’

For his part, Necta head Tahir Rai revealed that the explosive-laden vehicle that had hit the bus carrying the Chinese national was Japan-assembled and reached Pakistan via Afghanistan.

Giving details of the terror incident, Rai said the suicide bomber had targeted the bus when the driver slowed down the vehicle near a turn.

“The bust ploughed into a 150-feet deep ravine and subsequently caught fire due to the explosive material.”

A mobile phone having two SIMs had also recovered from the crime scene, he said, adding that one of the SIMs was issued in the name of Adil Shah resident of Mansehra and the other one in the name of Shafique Qureshi. “Adil Shah was in contact with a terrorist Hazrat Bilal.”

Both the suspects have been arrested by the authorities, said the Necta chief.

Giving further details, the Necta officer also said that Khan Lala and Qari Abdullah had purchased the vehicle for the terrorists in Afghanistan.

A car showroom owner, Imran Swati, received Rs260,000 to transport the vehicle to Pakistan.

Rai said that 11 suspects have been arrested in this case so far.


Geo TV
 

Pakistan arrests militants linked to attack on Chinese nationals​


Pakistani authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of 11 militants linked to the deadly suicide bombing in March, which claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers in the country’s north, near the Afghan border.

This revelation came during a press conference led by Pakistan’s counter-terrorism chief Rai Tahir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The detainees are affiliated with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organization comprising militant groups. According to Tahir, a crucial piece of evidence, a cellphone used by a suicide bomber to communicate with local handlers, facilitated the arrest. The investigation indicated that the militants received directives from TTP leaders.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated: “We have forensic evidence to prove that the TTP militants operating from Afghanistan were involved in the attack.”

In March, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a dam project in northwest Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of five engineers and a local driver. The incident has exacerbated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of failing to curb militant activities targeting Pakistan.

Minister Naqvi also mentioned that legal assistance would be sought from Kabul to apprehend three additional TTP members who had directed the attacker and his facilitator from Afghanistan. “We want Afghanistan to act against these terrorists. Either try them there or hand them over to us,” he added.

thedailycpec.com

Pakistan arrests militants linked to attack on Chinese nationals | The Daily CPEC

Pakistani authorities announced on Sunday the arrest of 11 militants linked to the deadly suicide bombing in March, which claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers in the country’s north, near the Afghan border. This revelation came during a press conference led by Pakistan’s counter-terrorism...
thedailycpec.com thedailycpec.com
 

Taliban govt to be briefed on Besham attack culprits: Dar​


Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that suspects involved in the March 26 terrorist attack that killed five Chinese engineers have been identified.

The Chinese engineers and their Pakistani drivers were killed in a suicide attack on the Karakoram Highway. Initial findings of the investigations found a link between Afghanistan and the terrorist attack.

On Sunday, Pakistan asked the Afghan Taliban government to arrest the entire leadership of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and put them on trial after sharing fresh evidence linking Afghanistan with the attack in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Besham.

Speaking informally to the media in the Parliament House in Islamabad, he said that the Secretary of Interior and Foreign Office officials have travelled to Kabul to brief Afghan authorities about those involved in the attack.

"We have identified the culprits responsible for the attacks on Chinese engineers. The Secretary of Interior and Foreign Office officials are in Kabul to ensure Afghan authorities are fully briefed about those involved," he said.

Dar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be visiting China from June 4 to 8. “Good news is expected from this visit, especially regarding issues related to CPEC and its security. I have already discussed these matters during my recent visit to China, and they will also be addressed during the prime minister's visit."

Dar also mentioned the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan, noting that the visit had been delayed due to the illness of the Crown Prince's father. "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has postponed not only his visit to Pakistan but also to Japan," he added.

‘No leniency for those involved in May 9 incident’

Dar emphasised his firm belief in negotiation and reconciliation. "I strongly believe in dialogue and reconciliation in politics. The 126-day sit-in in front of this Parliament was resolved through negotiations, but no dialogue will be held with those who stand against the state."

Referring to the events of May 9, Dar stated, "The May 9 incident was an uprising against the state. Attacks on GHQ, Jinnah House, and other installations cannot be forgiven. The stance taken in the Formation Commanders' meeting reflects the sentiment of every Pakistani. There will be no leniency for those involved in the May 9 incident."

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Donald Blome visited Parliament House and met with Dar. The meeting included discussions on Pakistan-US relations and matters of mutual interest.

The dialogue covered cooperation in counter-terrorism, Pakistan's economic reforms, and efforts to address security, regional, and economic challenges.

Ambassador Blome reiterated US support for Pakistan's economic reforms and assured American support for fostering a conducive environment for investors. He also discussed collaboration in the energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors.

tribune.com.pk

Taliban govt to be briefed on Besham attack culprits: Dar | The Express Tribune

Deputy PM says Pakistani officials in Kabul to inform Afghan authorities about March 26 terrorist attack suspects
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Kabul backtracks on Besham probe assistance​


A day after Pakistan sought Afghan help to apprehend the perpetrators of a terrorist attack on Chinese engineers, the Taliban government on Friday turned down Islamabad’s request, claiming Kabul had nothing to do with the March 26 incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent an interior secretary to Kabul with a message to seek assistance from Afghanistan in the ongoing investigations into the Besham attack.

Secretary Interior Muhammad Khurram Agha held talks with the interim Afghan Deputy Prime Minister and shared evidence linking the attack on Chinese engineers with Afghan territory.

A foreign office statement said the Afghan side agreed to examine the findings of the investigation and expressed the resolve to work with the Pakistan side to take the investigation to its logical conclusion.

“The Afghan side reiterated its commitment to prevent the use of their soil for any terrorist activity against other countries, including Pakistan," the statement added.

However, the spokesperson for the Afghan Taliban government rejected Pakistan’s statement, saying Pakistan was trying to create distrust between Kabul and Beijing.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, in response to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement about the perpetrators of the attack on Chinese citizens in Pakistan. “This issue has nothing to do with Afghanistan and Pakistan should ensure its own security,” he claimed.

He further said: “Targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan is related to Pakistan and has nothing to do with Afghanistan. The report published by Pakistanis is an attempt to create distrust between China and Afghanistan. We have repeatedly denied this, and it is also illogical.”

Earlier speaking at the weekly news briefing, foreign office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan and Afghanistan had “robust channels of communication”, including regarding Pakistan’s serious concerns about the terror threat that Pakistan faces from groups, which have hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.

“Yesterday, talks were held at senior official levels and led by Secretary Interior from the Pakistani side and Deputy Minister for Interior from the Afghan side and we have been engaged with each other to ensure that the Afghan territory is not used to create trouble in Pakistan. The Afghan authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that Afghan territory will not be used against third countries including Pakistan,” she added.

Pakistan’s move to seek Afghanistan assistance to apprehend the perpetrators of March 26 attack came just days before Prime Minister Shehbaz is to undertake a visit to Beijing, where security of Chinese nationals would be one of the key talking points.

The foreign office on Friday officially confirmed that at the invitation of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to China from June 4-8.

The visit will have three segments. Besides Beijing, the prime minister will visit the cities of Xi’an and Shenzhen.

In Beijing, the prime minister will meet President Xi Jinping and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang. He will also hold meetings with Chairman, Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji and heads of key government departments.

An important aspect of the prime minister’s visit will be meetings with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies dealing in oil and gas, energy, ICT, and emerging technologies. In Shenzhen, he will address the Pakistan-China Business Forum with leading businesspersons, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries. He will also visit Economic and Agricultural Zones in China.

“The prime minister’s visit is a manifestation of the iron-clad Pakistan-China friendship characterised by frequent high-level exchanges and dialogue,” the spokesperson said.

She said the two sides will undertake discussions to further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership; upgrade China-Pakistan Economic Corridor; advance trade and investment; enhance cooperation in security & defence, energy, space, science & technology, education; and promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts, thus setting the future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship.

To a question, the spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan had received the invitation for the Ukraine peace summit. The invitation is under consideration, she added without providing further details.

tribune.com.pk

Kabul backtracks on Besham probe assistance | The Express Tribune

Zabihullah Mujahid says Pakistan is trying to create distrust between Afghanistan and China
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Protection of Chinese citizens Pakistan’s top priority: Mohsin Naqvi​


Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday met Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong to discuss the protection and security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.

Upon arriving at the Chinese embassy, Ambassador Zaidong warmly welcomed Naqvi.

He highlighted that the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strengthened ties from both ends. He also emphasised getting support from the prime minister, president, and other top leaders of China.

The interior minister outlined the measures for protecting Chinese citizens across Pakistan and discussed the security plan for Chinese engineers and staff working on CPEC and other projects.

Mohsin stated that thorough and effective SOPs are now ensuring the safety of Chinese citizens, and revealed that Islamabad is setting up a dedicated force, SPU, for the protection of foreign nationals.

“The protection of our Chinese brothers working for Pakistan's development is the government’s top priority. The everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China is unbreakable, and any conspiracy against it will be defeated,” stated Naqvi.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the security arrangements, noting that Pakistan and China are all-weather friends and place great importance on their relationship.

Federal Interior Secretary Khurram Ali Agha and senior officials from the Chinese Embassy were also present at the meeting.

tribune.com.pk

Protection of Chinese citizens Pakistan’s top priority: Mohsin Naqvi | The Express Tribune

Interior minister meets Chinese Ambassador, discusses enhanced security plans
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Omar Ayub urges COAS to address security failures for Chinese citizens​


Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, has urged Army Chief General Asim Munir to call an immediate Corps Commanders Conference to discuss security failures concerning Chinese citizens.

The call was made during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday.

The session saw the return of PPP members, who ended their boycott, increasing their presence in the assembly. Among those present were Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, Sharmila Farooqi, Syed Naveed Qamar, Ejaz Jakhrani, Abdul Qadir Patel, and Jamal Rehmani.

Mirza Ikhtiar Baig praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's initiative to provide cheaper electricity to the industry. He questioned whether the government would bear the Rs240 billion subsidy or if the burden would be shifted to consumers.

Omar Ayub Khan raised a point of order, expressing concerns over the Chinese leadership's remarks on security threats to Chinese experts in Pakistan, stating it jeopardised CPEC investments. He urged the army chief to convene a conference solely focused on the security of Chinese citizens and experts. Ayub also demanded a review of the current security measures and accountability for any failures.

He further criticised the recent arrests of over 100 PTI workers in Punjab during protests and called for action against the Punjab IG for filing cases against assembly members.

‘How can we win a war against Allah and His Messenger (PBUH)?’

MQM-Pakistan member Mustafa Kamal highlighted budget concerns, noting that Rs9,500 billion would be spent on interest payments, consuming 51% of the revenue. Kamal questioned the PTI's silence on interest payments despite their talk of an Islamic state and criticised the government for not implementing the Federal Shariat Court's decision to eliminate interest.

Kamal urged a review of agreements with IPPs, pointing out that capacity charges were higher than the PSDP allocation. He suggested that leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and others contribute from their wealth to reduce Pakistan's debt.

He proposed that serving generals and other affluent individuals should also contribute, and parliament members should allocate 25% of their earnings. Kamal argued that if the wealthy leadership made symbolic contributions, the public would be motivated to help reduce the national debt.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal raised the issue of a person being burned alive in Swat, highlighting it as an extreme act of militancy. He called for the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the causes of public vigilantism and propose solutions.

tribune.com.pk

Omar Ayub urges COAS to address security failures for Chinese citizens | The Express Tribune

Opposition leader demands urgent corps commanders meeting to address Chinese leadership’s concerns
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 

Chinese envoy miffed at CPEC security lapses​


In a rare public rebuff, the Chinese envoy to Pakistan on Tuesday said that two deadly terror attacks within only six months were unacceptable and the government should launch a crackdown against all anti-China terrorist groups.

Speaking at a seminar titled 'China at 75', Ambassador Jiang Zaidong further said that security was the biggest constraint to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and "without safe and sound environment nothing can be achieved".

The ambassador spoke twice during the seminar, organised by the Pakistan China Institute of stalwart politician Senator Mushahid Hussain. Jiang first spoke before the speech of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and then he used his right to reply after Dar's remarks on the security for the Chinese.

"It is very unacceptable for us to be attacked twice in only six months and these attacks have also caused causalities," Ambassador Jiang said. He added that Beijing hoped that the Pakistani side could further strengthen the security measures to protect Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

"Pakistan should severely punish the perpetrators and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups," said the ambassador during his second unusual intervention. "Security is the biggest concern for China and a constraint to CPEC in Pakistan."

Ambassador Jiang remarks came after Deputy Prime Minister Dar said in his speech that "Chinese are very clear no matter how lucrative an investment is anywhere if the security issue is there they do not send Chinese personnel. Your country is the only exception. This is what the Chinese leadership told the Prime Minister of Pakistan in my presence".

Ambassador Jiang clarified that "President Xi cares about Chinese people's security and puts people's lives first. He especially cares about the security of the Chinese people in Pakistan. Every time when he meets with Pakistani leaders he asks for taking measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects", said the ambassador.

The terrorists have twice targeted Chinese nationals in the past six months, first in March and then again in October just 10 days before the visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan.

It is highly uncommon when a foreign diplomat used his right to reply after the speech of the foreign minister, indicating divergent views on security between the two nations.

Dar said that Pakistan was taking action against the terrorists and the progress would be shared during the next week's meeting between President Asif Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Ambassador Jiang said that during his exchanges with the leaders of the Pakistani side, Premier Li also emphasised the importance of security for economic development and cooperation. He emphasised that China would further deepen economic cooperation with Pakistan but "we hope that the Pakistani side could create a conducive and safe environment" for the Chinese people.

"President Xi always says that security is the guarantee of development and development is the guarantee of the security. With joint efforts, we could crack down on those terrorist groups," said Ambassador Jiang.

"There are an increasing number of attacks on the Chinese nationals because the Pak-China friendship has not been digested by certain powers of the world," Dar said. He added that despite these challenging times, in recent meetings, Pakistan and China had agreed to take CPEC to the next level by deepening cooperation in the areas of trade, industrialisation, digital economy, agriculture and renewable energy.

Dar also criticised the United Stated for its tactics to stop Beijing becoming a global economic power. "China will be the biggest economy in due course despite all the tools that have been used against it, including increasing tariffs on its products up to 200%, said Dar. "Increasing tariffs from 25% to 200% is nothing but politics to use unfair ways to stop China from becoming a global super economic power."

Dar also bitterly criticised the last Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed for the current deterioration in the security situation.

"We have to blame ourselves for the resurrection of terrorism" said Dar, while blaming the terror attacks on the PTI's policies of friendship with Afghanistan. "We have to blame ourselves for the cup of tea that we drank in Kabul," he added, referring to Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed's visit to Kabul immediately after the Taliban takeover.

"We have to blame ourselves for 102 hardened criminals, who were involved in various crimes but were freed after the cup of tea", said Dar. "We have to take blame for 35,000 to 40,000 terrorists who had left Pakistan but came back after the last government opened borders with Afghanistan."

On the issue of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is incarcerated in an American jail, the deputy prime minister highlighted the government's efforts to persuade the American leadership to pardon her, but said that those efforts could not bear fruit.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz sent a letter to the US president, requesting to pardon Dr Aafia on humanitarian grounds as the US presidents usually grant certain pardons before relinquishing the office. He added that a three-member committee had been formed to meet the US parliamentarians to lobby in favour of her pardon, release, and sending her back to Pakistan.

Coming to unabated Israel's barbarism in Gaza, he said that Pakistan was one of the rare countries which spoke vocally in favour of the Palestinian people and called for an immediate end to genocide, and implementation of the UNSC resolutions and ICJ rulings.

He said 48, 000 innocent Palestinian people had been killed with the majority of them being women and children and another 80,000 injured.

Expressing concerns over the attacks in Lebanon and Iran, he said Pakistan had sent 10 big consignments of relief goods to Gaza and had started hosting Palestinian medical students in Pakistan's public and private medical colleges to make them complete their education.

tribune.com.pk

Chinese envoy miffed at CPEC security lapses | The Express Tribune

Ambassador Jiang says terrorist attacks on Chinese personnel unacceptable
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
 
FearlessRoar said:

Chinese envoy miffed at CPEC security lapses​


In a rare public rebuff, the Chinese envoy to Pakistan on Tuesday said that two deadly terror attacks within only six months were unacceptable and the government should launch a crackdown against all anti-China terrorist groups.

Speaking at a seminar titled 'China at 75', Ambassador Jiang Zaidong further said that security was the biggest constraint to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and "without safe and sound environment nothing can be achieved".

The ambassador spoke twice during the seminar, organised by the Pakistan China Institute of stalwart politician Senator Mushahid Hussain. Jiang first spoke before the speech of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and then he used his right to reply after Dar's remarks on the security for the Chinese.

"It is very unacceptable for us to be attacked twice in only six months and these attacks have also caused causalities," Ambassador Jiang said. He added that Beijing hoped that the Pakistani side could further strengthen the security measures to protect Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

"Pakistan should severely punish the perpetrators and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups," said the ambassador during his second unusual intervention. "Security is the biggest concern for China and a constraint to CPEC in Pakistan."

Ambassador Jiang remarks came after Deputy Prime Minister Dar said in his speech that "Chinese are very clear no matter how lucrative an investment is anywhere if the security issue is there they do not send Chinese personnel. Your country is the only exception. This is what the Chinese leadership told the Prime Minister of Pakistan in my presence".

Ambassador Jiang clarified that "President Xi cares about Chinese people's security and puts people's lives first. He especially cares about the security of the Chinese people in Pakistan. Every time when he meets with Pakistani leaders he asks for taking measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects", said the ambassador.

The terrorists have twice targeted Chinese nationals in the past six months, first in March and then again in October just 10 days before the visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan.

It is highly uncommon when a foreign diplomat used his right to reply after the speech of the foreign minister, indicating divergent views on security between the two nations.

Dar said that Pakistan was taking action against the terrorists and the progress would be shared during the next week's meeting between President Asif Zardari and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Ambassador Jiang said that during his exchanges with the leaders of the Pakistani side, Premier Li also emphasised the importance of security for economic development and cooperation. He emphasised that China would further deepen economic cooperation with Pakistan but "we hope that the Pakistani side could create a conducive and safe environment" for the Chinese people.

"President Xi always says that security is the guarantee of development and development is the guarantee of the security. With joint efforts, we could crack down on those terrorist groups," said Ambassador Jiang.

"There are an increasing number of attacks on the Chinese nationals because the Pak-China friendship has not been digested by certain powers of the world," Dar said. He added that despite these challenging times, in recent meetings, Pakistan and China had agreed to take CPEC to the next level by deepening cooperation in the areas of trade, industrialisation, digital economy, agriculture and renewable energy.

Dar also criticised the United Stated for its tactics to stop Beijing becoming a global economic power. "China will be the biggest economy in due course despite all the tools that have been used against it, including increasing tariffs on its products up to 200%, said Dar. "Increasing tariffs from 25% to 200% is nothing but politics to use unfair ways to stop China from becoming a global super economic power."

Dar also bitterly criticised the last Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and former director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed for the current deterioration in the security situation.

"We have to blame ourselves for the resurrection of terrorism" said Dar, while blaming the terror attacks on the PTI's policies of friendship with Afghanistan. "We have to blame ourselves for the cup of tea that we drank in Kabul," he added, referring to Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed's visit to Kabul immediately after the Taliban takeover.

"We have to blame ourselves for 102 hardened criminals, who were involved in various crimes but were freed after the cup of tea", said Dar. "We have to take blame for 35,000 to 40,000 terrorists who had left Pakistan but came back after the last government opened borders with Afghanistan."

On the issue of Dr Aafia Siddiqui, who is incarcerated in an American jail, the deputy prime minister highlighted the government's efforts to persuade the American leadership to pardon her, but said that those efforts could not bear fruit.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz sent a letter to the US president, requesting to pardon Dr Aafia on humanitarian grounds as the US presidents usually grant certain pardons before relinquishing the office. He added that a three-member committee had been formed to meet the US parliamentarians to lobby in favour of her pardon, release, and sending her back to Pakistan.

Coming to unabated Israel's barbarism in Gaza, he said that Pakistan was one of the rare countries which spoke vocally in favour of the Palestinian people and called for an immediate end to genocide, and implementation of the UNSC resolutions and ICJ rulings.

He said 48, 000 innocent Palestinian people had been killed with the majority of them being women and children and another 80,000 injured.

Expressing concerns over the attacks in Lebanon and Iran, he said Pakistan had sent 10 big consignments of relief goods to Gaza and had started hosting Palestinian medical students in Pakistan's public and private medical colleges to make them complete their education.

tribune.com.pk

Chinese envoy miffed at CPEC security lapses | The Express Tribune

Ambassador Jiang says terrorist attacks on Chinese personnel unacceptable
tribune.com.pk tribune.com.pk
Click to expand...
FO calls Chinese envoy’s remarks in seminar ‘surprising’

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has termed Chinese Ambassador’s statement as surprising and doesn’t reflect diplomatic traditions of Pakistan and China

“We are tightening protocol of the visit of an ambassador or group of ambassadors’ visits to another city,” Spokesperson Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a briefing.

FO spokesperson said that the foreign ambassadors are our guests, and we are determined to extend comprehensive security to them.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in a seminar in Islamabad on Tuesday said that two deadly terror attacks within only six months were unacceptable and the government should launch a crackdown against all anti-China terrorist groups.

He said the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan is the biggest concern for China and the biggest constraint to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He added that Beijing hoped that the Pakistani side could further strengthen the security measures to protect Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

“Pakistan should severely punish the perpetrators and crack down on all anti-China terrorist groups,” said the ambassador.

arynews.tv

FO calls Chinese envoy's remarks in seminar 'surprising'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Foreign Office has termed Chinese Ambassador's statement as surprising and doesn't reflect diplomatic traditions of Pakistan and
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Two Chinese nationals injured in Karachi shooting

Two Chinese nationals were injured in Karachi on Tuesday in a shooting by a security guard, a police officer said, as the Sindh government reported a “clash” at a police station.

Speaking to reporters at the site of the incident, Kemari Senior Superintendent of Police Faizan Ali said: “Two Chinese [nationals] have been injured due to a security guard’s firing.”

According to a statement by the Sindh home department, a clash broke out between the foreigners and security guards at a police station in Karachi’s Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) A area.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar instructed authorities to arrest the security guard involved in the incident, the statement said.

Lanjar sought details from the South deputy inspector general, stating that facts of the incident must be confirmed with a comprehensive inquiry and said, “[He] must be informed of the inquiry report and police action,” it added.

The home minister was further quoted as saying that companies providing security to Chinese experts/residents and foreigners should be audited and the audit report must be sent for review.

Lanjar asserted that physical and mental fitness tests for the guards who were assigned to security duties must be ensured, adding that services should be taken from fully trained and fit security guards.

He also ordered a crackdown on unregistered and illegal security companies, according to the statement.

Reuters reported a Liaquat National Hospital spokesperson as saying it was treating the two Chinese citizens, one of whom was in serious condition.

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori expressed concern over the injured foreigners and requested a report of the incident from Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon.

“Safety of foreign residents is [our] first priority,” a statement from his office quoted him as saying. “[The] elements involved in the incident will be brought under justice in any case.”

Earlier in October, a massive explosion occurred on a road near Jinnah International Airport, killing a total of three people and injuring at least 11 others, including a Chinese citizen.

The outlawed Majeed Brigade of the banned outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

DAWN NEWS
 
FIR registered against security guard for attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi

Police on Wednesday registered a case against a security guard who shot at and injured two Chinese nationals a day earlier.

According to a statement by the Sindh Home Department, a clash broke out between Chinese nationals and security guards at a police station in Karachi’s Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) Area. During the clash, a security guard fired at two Chinese nationals, injuring them.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar instructed authorities to arrest the security guard involved in the incident. He had also sought details from the South deputy inspector general, stating that facts of the incident must be confirmed with a comprehensive inquiry.

According to a first information report (FIR) filed late on Tuesday night, the complainant Najeebul Rab said he worked as a security in charge at at textile mill.

He said that he, along with four Chinese nationals accompanied by police and private guards, arrived at the mill in Site Area at around 8:02am, the FIR, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, said.

“The foreigners went to the first floor of the factory to the Knits department for the installation of new machinery,” it said.

“The foreigners were busy with their work when at 8:15am, the guard, namely Sharifullah, son of Habibullah, belonging to the Executive security company who had been working in the factory for the last four to five months, went to the first floor.

“The suspect, using his 9mm pistol, resorted to firing at the Chinese nationals for some unknown reasons to kill them.”

According to the FIR, the guard resorted to indiscriminate firing, resulting in critical injuries to Zheng Luwen and Wang Xingzhong, who were shifted to Liaquat National Hospital in the factory’s ambulance while the suspect managed to escape along with the pistol.

The police arrived at the spot and collected 16 spent bullet casings fired from a 9mm pistol, it said.

The complainant added in the FIR that the suspect’s firing inside the factory also triggered fear and terror among other employees, therefore, he wanted a case against the fleeing suspect over charges of making an attempt on the life of the Chinese and creating an atmosphere of fear and terror in the factory.

The police have registered the section under sections 324 (attempted murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7 (punishment for acts of terrorism) of the anti-terrorism act.

PM condemns attack on visits to Chinese embassy in Karachi

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy to condemn the firing incident.

Talking to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong today, the prime minister said that he was visiting the embassy to condemn yesterday’s attack on Chinese nationals and to inquire about the health of those injured in the incident.

The premier assured the Chinese ambassador that those responsible for the incident would be apprehended soon and an exemplary punishment would be awarded to them, Prime Minister’s Office said in a press release.

He further informed the Chinese ambassador that he was personally supervising the arrest of those involved in the incident and bringing them to justice.

Moreover, he had directed to provide the best medical facilities to the Chinese citizens injured in the incident and that it was a matter of satisfaction that the health of the injured Chinese nationals was improving.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi accompanied the premier.

Prime Minister Sharif said that China was a long-standing friend of Pakistan and that the attack on the Chinese nationals was a desperate attempt to damage Pakistan-China fraternal relations, reiterating that the security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan was the top priority of the government.

The Chinese ambassador thanked the prime minister for his visit and hoped that he would play his role in bringing those responsible for the incident to justice soon.

Attacks on Chinese nationals

Chinese nationals have been targeted inside Pakistan over the last couple of years.

The recent escalation in violence against Chinese nationals has amplified Beijing’s security concerns, especially over progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Speaking at the event ‘China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation and Global Leadership’ last week, the Chinese envoy had expressed frustration over the attacks, stating it was “unacceptable” and urging Islamabad to strengthen security measures for Chinese nationals and crack down on anti-China elements.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch last week called the statement “perplexing” and a stark departure from the longstanding diplomatic norms between the two nations.

Earlier this month, a suicide attack near Karachi’s airport, claimed by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), left two Chinese citizens dead and injured ten others.

In March, Chinese workers were targeted in Besham, reportedly carried out by affiliates of either Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K), resulting in five Chinese fatalities.

At least four people, including three Chinese nationals, were killed while four others were injured in a suicide attack outside the University of Karachi’s (KU) Confucius Institute in 2022.

Security risk

The involvement of private security in the incident has once again drawn attention towards a host of issues including lack of training of the guards.

A recent letter written by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza to the chairman of the All Pakistan Security Agencies Association (APSA) has highlighted certain aspects of private security guards particularly their lack of training, changing of guards without any intimidation and briefing about foreigners, which were being viewed with concerns.

The letter said that “there are threats to Chinese engineers and nationals working on CPEC [China-Pakistan Economic Corridor], non-CPEC private projects, business partners, employees, visitors and individuals located in Sindh province.”

It has been pointed out that all Chinese working on such government and private projects, visitors and individuals have hired private security guards for their security.

Police, Rangers and Frontier Corps are also providing security to them but ‘few locations are guarded with only private security guards,’ as per the letter.

“It has been observed that private security companies that provide guards for the security of foreigners are not trained which a security risk is,” apprehended the official letter.

Moreover, apart from this, the companies changed the ‘guards without intimidation and guards are not briefed’ regarding the security of foreigners.

The DIG urged the APSA head ‘to engage the companies for verification of security guards from IB and Special Branch.’

“Their training should be done under the supervision of police and security guards should not be changed without intimidation to avoid any untoward incident,” it said.

DAWN NEWS
 

Ensuring security of Chinese nationals govt's top priority: Mohsin Naqvi​

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has pledged to enhance security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, particularly in response to a recent attack in Karachi that left two Chinese injured

During a meeting in Islamabad with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Naqvi expressed solidarity and regret over the Karachi incident.

Naqvi underscored that protecting Chinese citizens remains a top priority, especially in light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, which are integral to the bilateral partnership.

He assured that all possible steps are being taken to secure a peaceful environment for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan, stating that those responsible for the Karachi attack would be brought to justice.

In the meeting, Naqvi conveyed condolences to the victims and their families, providing updates on the investigation's progress.

Both sides discussed strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, with a commitment to enhancing bilateral security cooperation and the safety of Chinese workers in Pakistan.

The Chinese ambassador thanked Minister Naqvi for the recent security measures during the Chinese premier's visit and conveyed a message from President Xi Jinping to Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, wishing him a swift recovery.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
If all this news had come out India the posters would had changed the headlines , created alternate headlines etc etc.
 
If they have arrested a security guard and he is still alive, this should mean they can trace back who his handlers are and the motivation for the attacks on Chinese nationals.

I don't read or watch Pakistani media, but they really should be all over this asking questions.
 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reassured China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Wednesday, while attending the COP29 climate summit in Baku, that Pakistan is committed to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals in the country

During a meeting on the sidelines of the summit, the premier highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to secure Chinese workers and nationals, especially amid rising attacks on them by separatist groups.

These attacks have targeted Chinese citizens working on key infrastructure projects in Pakistan, particularly the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.

Last month, a suicide bombing near Karachi airport killed two Chinese engineers and injured 21 others, while another attack in March killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Chinese government, which has historically refrained from publicly commenting on security issues, has recently raised concerns about the safety of its nationals in Pakistan.

"The prime minister mentioned the government’s steps to completely eliminate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan and said that the government is determined to uproot terrorism from the country," a statement from Sharif’s office read.

Sharif also reaffirmed the strong ties between Pakistan and China, calling the latter Pakistan’s longstanding friend and emphasising a new era in their bilateral relations.

After the recent wave of attacks on Chinese nationals, Beijing is pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working in the country.

As per sources, “Chinese want to bring in their own security.” The source, and two other officials, said there was a consensus on setting up a joint security management system, and that Pakistan was amenable to Chinese officials sitting in on security meetings and co-ordination.

Source: The Express Tribune
 
Sindh forms JIT to probe 2 suspects of deadly Karachi airport attack on Chinese

The Sindh Home Department has established a joint interrogation team (JIT) to probe two suspects for allegedly facilitating last month’s suicide attack on a Chinese convoy near Karachi Airport in October that claimed the lives of two foreigners and one Pakistani, it emerged on Friday.

On October 6, a massive explosion occurred on a road near Jinnah International Airport, killing a total of three people — including two Chinese engineers — and injuring at least 11 others.

The attack was claimed by the banned outfit Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). Police registered a first information report (FIR) against leaders of the BLA and others three days after the incident.

A day after the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the Chinese of personally overseeing the investigation into the terror attack. A few days later, China said it would work with Pakistan to protect the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects and institutions in Pakistan.

During an intelligence-based operation earlier this month, one of the masterminds of the suicide bombing, Muhammad Javed alias Sameer, and his accomplice Gul Nisa were arrested at CD Highway near Umar Goth Chowk, Karachi, while riding a bike.

According to a notification issued on November 26 by Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Muhammad Iqbal Memon, the JIT was formed at the request of the deputy inspector general (DIG) of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

The JIT would probe the two suspects for their role in the attack.

It would be led by the CTD DIG and comprise a senior official from the Inter-Services Intelligence, Federal Investigation Agency’s Counter-Terrorism Wing, Pakistan Rangers, Military Intelligence, Sindh Intelligence Bureau, Sindh police’s special branch and Karachi police, according to the notification.

It added that the JIT was directed to “investigate/interrogate the matter” and submit a report with its findings within 15 days.

The FIR was lodged by Station House Officer Moosa Kaleem Khan of the Airport Police Station at the CTD.

According to the FIR, the suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden Toyota Hilux into a convoy carrying Chinese nationals near the Civil Aviation Authority guard room at the airport’s outer signal.

Security agencies informed the police that the BLA, through its spokesperson Jeeand Baloch, claimed responsibility for the bombing. The police named BLA commander Bashir Ahmed alias Bashir Zeb and Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Gul, among others, as co-accused in the case.

The FIR noted that BLA leaders brainwashed the suicide bomber to carry out the attack, targeting Chinese nationals and security personnel.

The separatist group, believed to be supported by a foreign intelligence agency, sought to undermine Pakistan-China relations, spread terrorism, destabilise Pakistan’s security and economy and achieve financial gains.

The attack was also intended to instil fear among the public and weaken the morale of security institutions.

The police invoked sections 302, 353, 324, 186 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code, sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act 1908, and sections 7, 11-F, and 21-I of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

www.dawn.com

Sindh forms JIT to probe 2 suspects of deadly Karachi airport attack on Chinese

Orders body to submit report with findings within 15 days; recruits members from intelligence, law enforcement agencies.
www.dawn.com
 
Second FIR registered in Karachi airport blast case

Two Chinese nationals were killed and several were injured in the attack that took place, last month, close to the Jinnah International Airport, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan said.

The second case was registered by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

The FIR was lodged on behalf of Airport SHO Musa Kaleem, naming the mastermind behind the attack—a key commander of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).

Charges include murder, attempted murder, use of explosives, and funding of terrorism, highlighting the severity of the incident and the ongoing investigation.

Earlier in November, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar lauded the swift action of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh police in tracing the suspects and facilitators in the attack on Chinese nationals.

He said Rs7.1 million was transferred to a bank account of a person named Saeed through a bank employee named Bilal to buy the vehicle in Karachi for the attack.

The car was brought from a showroom in Karachi and was possibly moved to Balochistan or any other area away from Karachi for explosives.

The same vehicle along with explosives (white chemical) weighing 30 to 40 kg was shifted back to Karachi for attack along with a woman named Gul-e-Nisa to avoid checking, the minister said.

The minister said Javed on a telephone call informed the attacker about departure of Chinese nationals from Karachi airport.

The suicide attacker was identified through his fingerprint as Fahad Shah aka Aftab.

Lanjar said four people have been arrested so far and hunt for their accomplice named Danish is underway.

He also announced a reward of Rs5 0mln for the team which busted the terrorist network to recommend it for Pakistan Police medal.

arynews.tv

Second FIR registered in Karachi airport blast case

Karachi authorities have filed another case related to the recent Karachi airport explosion, which targetted Chinese engineers, ARY News reported. Two
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 
Planned, paid for and orchestrated by the indians like everything else of this nature. Its so obvious.
 
Almost a month has passed and they still haven't released any information which was detained from the detained suspects? For a police state there seems to be a very inefficient state of police work going on.
 
guard said:
Planned, paid for and orchestrated by the indians like everything else of this nature. Its so obvious.
Click to expand...

I think vast majority of the issues in that region are caused by India.

They have issues with almost all neighboring states (China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal etc.).

Wouldn't be surprised if India are playing a role in these terror attacks on Pakistani soil (which are killing Chinese workers).
 
guard said:
Planned, paid for and orchestrated by the indians like everything else of this nature. Its so obvious.
Click to expand...
Not really.. you can’t blame GOI for every issue in your country, why were there no such issues at this level when IK was ruling? There is only one answer to that- Your Establishment.
 
JaDed said:
Not really.. you can’t blame GOI for every issue in your country, why were there no such issues at this level when IK was ruling? There is only one answer to that- Your Establishment.
Click to expand...
The establishment is hated, through and through, make no mistake, but this incident benefitted india no end. Was like diwali for them
 
guard said:
The establishment is hated, through and through, make no mistake, but this incident benefitted india no end. Was like diwali for them
Click to expand...
Absolutely, either RAW is super competent or ISI super dumb that they cant able to gather any proper evidence against India.
and its nice to see, Pakistani posters showing concern for the "super citizens" Chinese as compared to their fellow country men who are dying by the dozens all over Pakistan in terror attacks regularly.
Just shows the priority order of lives in Pakistani mindset itself. :salute
 
Aang_The_last_airbender said:
Absolutely, either RAW is super competent or ISI super dumb that they cant able to gather any proper evidence against India.
and its nice to see, Pakistani posters showing concern for the "super citizens" Chinese as compared to their fellow country men who are dying by the dozens all over Pakistan in terror attacks regularly.
Just shows the priority order of lives in Pakistani mindset itself. :salute
Click to expand...
They did the same when the sri lankan team was gunned down as well. Propaganda narrative seems one way at the moment for india has experience in this area. Pakistanis at least accept their country’s failings but you actually celebrate innocent deaths whilst actively playing a part in them. <no misbah salute>
 
guard said:
They did the same when the sri lankan team was gunned down as well. Propaganda narrative seems one way at the moment for india has experience in this area. Pakistanis at least accept their country’s failings but you actually celebrate innocent deaths whilst actively playing a part in them. <no misbah salute>
Click to expand...
:salute
Just an observation about the actual interests and priorities of Pakistani posters on this forum. Come dispute that with actual facts other than random allegations. Be factual. You have hardly any comment to post for the terrible deaths of fellow Pakistanis due to terrorism but jump around for anything and everything Anti-India. Pakistani definition is more about being Anti-India than being pro-Pakistan. and it shows abundantly.
 
JaDed said:
Not really.. you can’t blame GOI for every issue in your country, why were there no such issues at this level when IK was ruling? There is only one answer to that- Your Establishment.
Click to expand...

Establishment is not trusted by ordinary Pakistan people as their top generals often hide their assets abroad. That means they are for sale to the highest bidder, and that can include enemies of the nation. No one can say with certainty who is behind these blasts, but the biggest beneficiary is India.
 
Aang_The_last_airbender said:
:salute
Just an observation about the actual interests and priorities of Pakistani posters on this forum. Come dispute that with actual facts other than random allegations. Be factual. You have hardly any comment to post for the terrible deaths of fellow Pakistanis due to terrorism but jump around for anything and everything Anti-India. Pakistani definition is more about being Anti-India than being pro-Pakistan. and it shows abundantly.
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Actual interests of Pakistani posters on a Pakistani forum.. ha… that to from peace loving neighbours….okkkkeeeyy.
Sri Lankan gun only benefitted one side immensely, killing Chinese contractors in Pakistan only benefits one side, causing internal turmoil since time immemorial only benefits santana or whatever…diccussing facts with gaslighters
 
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It will be good if you guys stay on topic instead of trying to troll others.
 
Chinese Consulate attack: Defence cross examines prosecution witness

Defence lawyers on Monday concluded cross-examination of the prosecution witness in the case of Chinese Consulate attack in an anti-terrorism court hearing.

Defence lawyer Abid Zaman said that confessional statements of the accused have not been recorded. “The investigation officer in his witness account didn’t inform about the number of entries in daily report (Roznamcha),” lawyer Abid Zaman said.

“A false case has been registered against the accused,” defence consul Barrister Sara Asim said. “The police have nothing in evidence against accused,” lawyer further said.

Investigation officer of the case, who has been key prosecution witness, had identified, four alleged BLA facilitators in his witness account about the attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi.

The witness said that three alleged BLA operatives had attacked the Chinese Consulate on November 23, 2018.

Accused Ahmed Hasnain, Abdul Latif, Mohammad Aslam and Ali Ahmed were arrested in cases of arms and explosives, witness said in his statement. “The accused had confessed in their statements about attack on the Chinese Consulate,” witness said.

The accused had provided facilitation to the Consulate attackers, according to the witness account.

The court adjourned further hearing of the case after completion of cross examination of the witness by defence lawyers.

arynews.tv

Chinese Consulate attack: Defence cross examines prosecution witness

KARACHI: Defence lawyers on Monday concluded cross-examination of the prosecution witness in the case of Chinese Consulate attack in an anti-terrorism
arynews.tv arynews.tv
 

Islamabad, Beijing pledge counterterrorism cooperation for security of Chinese workers in Pakistan​


Pakistan has assured China it will ensure the safety of Chinese personnel working on infrastructure and development projects in the South Asian country while seeking greater security and economic cooperation during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Beijing.

Zardari is in China on a five-day visit from February 4 to 8 along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior officials.

Pakistani leaders met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Zardari also held delegation level talks with the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Leji.

The Pakistani leadership “reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan is the foremost responsibility of Pakistani government as China’s All-weather Strategic Cooperative partner and the host country,” according to a joint communique issued Thursday.

Thousands of Chinese nationals are in Pakistan, working primarily on projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. At least 21 Chinese citizens, however, have been killed in targeted attacks since 2017. This has put pressure on bilateral ties and hurt the progress of the massive infrastructure and development project that has seen more than $25 billion in Chinese investment come to Pakistan.

An October 2024 attack in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi killed two Chinese citizens. The incident came a few months after a March attack on a convoy killed five Chinese nationals in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

While calling for increased cooperation on counterterrorism, the statement said Pakistan will bring to justice those responsible for attacking Chinese personnel.

Pakistan also committed to "further increase input into security, and take targeted and enhanced measures to effectively ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and create a safe environment for cooperation between the two countries," according to the communique.

In the latest high-level meetings, Chinese officials offered counterterrorism cooperation to Pakistan.

“The Chinese side…expressed its willingness to provide necessary support for Pakistan’s counter terrorism capacity building,” the lengthy 24-point communique read.

Official statements issued by the Pakistani side earlier show security remained a central part of discussions.

In his opening statement Wednesday at the start of talks with Xi, Zardari said the friendship between the two countries had “gone through ups and downs” but would not be broken down by militant attacks that have killed Chinese citizens.

“No matter how many terrors, how many issues crop up in the world, I will stand, Pakistani people will stand, with the people of China,” the Pakistan head of state said.

Both sides discussed enhancing intelligence sharing, border security, and the transfer of technology to strengthen the Pakistani police’s capability to secure Chinese interests.

“Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan will purchase modern technology and equipment for the police from China,” a statement from the Pakistani interior minister’s office said after a meeting with Qi Yanjun, one of China’s top security officials.

Naqvi also informed Xi about efforts to beef up security of the Chinese and boost counter terrorism operations in Pakistan.

Pakistan is grappling with a deadly wave of militant attacks primarily targeting Pakistani security personnel since late 2021.

On Saturday, militants allegedly affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army killed 18 soldiers in the southwestern Balochistan province, home to the China-funded Gwadar deep sea port and the country’s largest airport.

In January, the country saw 74 militant attacks resulting in 91 deaths, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. Thirty-five of those killed were security personnel while 36 militants died in the incidents.

In 2024, close to 1,200 people including almost 1000 civilians and security personnel were killed in militant attacks – a 40% increase in militant attacks compared to 2023.

Much of the violence is concentrated in the two provinces bordering Afghanistan. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has a strong foothold while the banned Baloch Liberation Army is behind much of the violence in Balochistan.

Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of taking insufficient measures to reign in anti-Pakistan militants present on Afghan soil, a charge the de facto rulers in Kabul reject.

In Thursday’s joint communique, Pakistan and China again pressed Afghan authorities to take stronger counter-terrorism action.

“They called on the Interim Afghan Government to take visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist groups based in Afghanistan which continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security, and to prevent the use of Afghan territory against other countries,” the statement said.

Despite Pakistan’s poor security situation that Beijing has publicly complained about, the joint statement said China would encourage its businesses to invest in Pakistan. Both sides signed more than a dozen Memoranda of Understanding to enhance cooperation in agriculture, technology, and trade, etc.

After his first stop in Beijing, Zardari heads to the northeastern city of Harbin to attend the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games, taking place from Feb. 7-14.

www.voanews.com

Islamabad, Beijing pledge counterterrorism cooperation for security of Chinese workers in Pakistan

During five-day visit to China by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Chinese officials offered to give Pakistan counterterrorism capacity building support
www.voanews.com www.voanews.com
 
Pakistan, China in talks about security for Chinese nationals

Pakistan and China’s discussions about security measures to protect Chinese nationals working in the South Asian country are a work in progress, Islamabad’s ambassador to Beijing said on Wednesday.

The two countries have had close ties underpinned by long-standing wariness of their common neighbour, India, and a desire to hedge against US influence across the region.

Chinese investment and financial support for Pakistan since 2013 have been a boon for its struggling economy. China has thousands of nationals working on projects grouped under CPEC.

The $65-billion investment is part of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, designed to Beijing’s global reach by road, rail and sea.

Militants who target Chinese nationals seek to undermine Pakistan-China relations, spread terrorism, destabilise Pakistan’s security and economy and achieve financial gains.

It is Pakistan’s “national responsibility” and the country is “doing everything possible”, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi told reporters at the sidelines of the Boao Forum in China’s Hainan province.

“I think our two countries work very closely in terms of information sharing, in terms of developing the standard operating procedures” to ensure Chinese nationals working in Pakistan are safe, he said.

“We keep our Chinese friends informed of the steps that we are taking, so it’s a work in progress.”

Hashmi said those talks are ongoing, with a high degree of trust between both countries.

“It’s a complex security environment,” he said. “We have the capability to resolve, to counter and combat and defeat these terrorist forces.”

Beijing has been pushing Pakistan to allow its own security staff to provide protection to thousands of Chinese citizens working there, frustrated by the string of attacks on its citizens.

The push came after a bombing at the Karachi airport last October killed two Chinese engineers who were returning there to work at a power plant.

Last month, Pakistan and China agreed to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in counter-terrorism activities, reiterating that any attempt to undermine or disrupt their ties was bound to fail, the Foreign Office (FO) had said.

They had also agreed to upgrade cooperation in various other sectors such as defence, agriculture and information technology. The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed as President Asif Ali Zardari met Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zhao Leji during his visit to China.

A joint statement issued by the FO on the discussions and agreements reached during the visit said: “The Pakistani side reiterated its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involving Chinese personnel.”

The country reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan is the foremost responsibility of the its government as China’s all-weather strategic cooperative partner and the host country.

DAWN NEWS
 
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