Conspiracy against Pak-China strategic cooperation, says PM Imran after consulate attack

Foreign minister confirms the safety of all consulate staff

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday condemned the terror attack on the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi and said the “incident is part of a conspiracy against Pakistan and China economic and strategic cooperation”.

"Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave securit and police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission against Chinese Consulate," he said.

I am absolutely clear both these attacks are part of a planned campaign to create unrest in the country by those who do not want Pakistan to prosper. Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes. https://t.co/AhPpjsUGEq

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018

The premier added that the failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. "The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These terrorists will not succeed," he added.

The failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was clearly a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018

Earlier, a statement issued by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on behalf of the prime minister said he had "ordered a complete inquiry into the incident and desired that elements behind this incident must be unearthed."

"[The] incident is part of conspiracy against Pak and China economic and strategic cooperation. However, such incidents will never be able to undermine Pak-China relationship that is mightier than Himalaya and deeper than Arabian sea," asserted PM Imran

The prime minister also applauded the exceptional courage and added the nation salutes the martyrs and officials for acting so vigilantly.

'All staff safe'

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi confirmed the safety of all Chinese officials and other staff members.

Apprising the media on the situation after the incident, Qureshi said security forces killed all three terrorists and secured the area. "Our priority was to secure the lives of citizens and the consulate staff. The terrorists could not take any hostage, kill or injured anyone."

The foreign minister said it was premature to say who was behind the attack. "Those who do not want to see Pakistan progress were behind this act."

Reiterating that the friendship between Pakistan and China was everlasting, Qureshi said enemy forces were attempting to create obstacles. "We are in touch with the Chinese ambassador. I will appraise their foreign minister on the matter as well."

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry reiterated Qureshi’s statements in a press conference. Terming it a conspiracy, Fawad said: “Many do not like peace returning to Pakistan but these incidents will not affect the friendship between the two neighbours. Both the parties understand the reasons behind the attack.”

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also confirmed that three terrorists tried to enter the consulate. All of them were killed in a joint-security operation by Sindh Rangers and police.

Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack on Chinese consulate. “China is one of the few countries that stands by Pakistan through thick and thin. Any conspiracy to derail China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be sabotaged.”

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Inspector-General Police Kaleem Imam, Additional IG Amir Ahmed Shaikh, Sindh Director General Rangers Muhammad Saeed called on the Chinese Consul General Chen Shanmin after the attack.

Briefing the participants on the security operation, IG Imam said evidence linked the attack to the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

The attack invoked condemnations from all quarters.

Foreign Office condemned the attack in a tweet.

We condemn the attack on #Chinese Consulate in Karachi. Security forces took charge. 3 terrorists killed. All Chinese safe. #Pakistan #China #LonglivePakistanChinaFrienship

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) November 23, 2018

"Security forces today saved Karachi from a terrorist plot. All three terrorists were killed and two police officials embraced martyrdom. All personnel of the Chinese Consulate are safe and police and rangers have full control of the situation. We will get to the bottom of the conspiracy," said Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry.

سیکورٹی اداروں نے آج کراچی کو ایک بڑی سازش سے بچا لیا ، تمام تین دھشت گرد ھلاک ہو چکے ہیں اس آپریشن میں دو پالیس کے جوانمردوں نے خون کا نذرانہ پیش کیا ۔ چائینہ قونصلیٹ کے تمام اھلکار محفوظ ہیں اور پولیس اور رینجرز صورتحال کے مکمل کنٹرول میں ہیں۔ سازش کی تہہ تک پہنچیں گے۔

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 23, 2018

"No terrorist will be able to destroy the law & order situation Inshallah we have our full trust in our LEA’s after Allah," maintained Sindh Governor Imran Ismail.

Rangers and police combined operation is in process, I salute to 2 officers who died in the process. No terrorist will be able to destroy the law & order situation Inshallah we have our full trust in our LEA’s after Allah.

— Imran Ismail (@ImranIsmailPTI) November 23, 2018

"Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Chinese Consulate Karachi. Kudos to brave Sindh Police who warded off the attack in record time as the Consulate is safe. Two courageous policemen were martyred in preventing terrorists from getting inside. Our prayers with their families," said Senator Sherry Rehman.

Strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the #ChineseConsulateKchi. Kudos to brave Sindh police who warded off the attack in record time as the Consulate is safe. Two courageous policemen were martyred in preventing terrorists from getting inside.Our prayers with their families

— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) November 23, 2018

جب کوئی اور اناڑی سوار کو سواری پر بیٹھا کر لانچ کر دے تو پھر کیا ہوتا ہے ملاحظہ کیجئیے https://t.co/ez1XcYg46V

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) November 23, 2018

Strongly condemn the attack on the #ChineseConsulateKhi ! Salute to the brave officers who lost their lives protecting the Consulate. Praying for no more casualties

— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) November 23, 2018

Nation should stand united against all conspiracies and notorious agendas by defeating instability drive by the enemies of Pakistan 🇵🇰🇨🇳
Attack on #ChineseConsulate is an International conspiracy, it is an attack by enemies of Pakistan who are afraid of its progress #CPEC @zlj517 https://t.co/Lw9An7uzue

— Senator Sehar Kamran T.I. (@SeharKamran) November 23, 2018