Zardari visits Chinese embassy, slams terror

Besham attack threatens shared values, says president

President Asif Ali Zardari, in a visit to the Chinese embassy on Wednesday, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan following the tragic killing of Chinese citizens in Tuesday’s terrorist attack in Besham.

The attack, which claimed the lives of six individuals, including five Chinese engineers working on the Dasu Hydel Power Project, elicited strong condemnation from Zardari.

He expressed solidarity with the Chinese people during their time of mourning, emphasizing that the Pakistani nation shared their grief.

Upon his arrival, Zardari was received by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, with the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also present.

During the meeting, Zardari denounced the heinous act and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with China.

He assured the Chinese ambassador that those responsible for the attack would be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.

Read more: PM orders thorough probe into Besham incident, vows to bring culprits to justice

Zardari further pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure the security of Chinese citizens working on various projects in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of safeguarding their well-being amidst regional challenges.

The Chinese ambassador expressed gratitude to the president for personally visiting the embassy to extend condolences and acknowledged the condemnation of the terrorist attack by people from all walks of life in Pakistan.

Zaidong emphasized the significant contributions of Chinese workers to Pakistan's socio-economic development and condemned terrorism as an affront to humanity.

He stressed the importance of bolstering counterterrorism cooperation and providing enhanced security to Chinese workers in Pakistan, reaffirming China's commitment to strengthening cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in projects like the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

President Zardari, while signing the visitor's book, remarked that the attack struck at the heart of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China and reiterated that it was orchestrated by enemies of their friendship.

He affirmed Pakistan's determination to thwart terrorists from undermining their joint efforts for regional peace, prosperity, and security.