China resumes Tarbela dam work despite tragedy

Much to regional rival’s chagrin, China resumed work on the Tarbela Dam extension project, despite the tragic loss of five Chinese engineers in the Besham suicide attack.

In an office circular issued by the Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd on March 28, workers were instructed to return to their duties, underscoring China's commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation, particularly within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A statement from the Chinese foreign ministry reaffirmed this commitment, emphasizing the continuation of high-quality development in collaboration with Pakistan.

Dismissing reports from Indian media alleging a cessation of civil works and layoffs at a hydropower plant in Pakistan following the attack, the office order from the Chinese construction company countered such claims.

Following the tragic incident, both the Chinese embassy and consulate generals in Pakistan vehemently condemned the terrorist attack.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian asserted that Pakistan and China possess the resolve and capability to hold terrorists accountable for their actions, emphasizing that any efforts to undermine Sino-Pak cooperation would be futile.

The resumption of work on the Tarbela Dam extension project, despite adversity, underscores China's unwavering commitment to bolstering infrastructure development and economic cooperation with Pakistan.

He also 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.

Separately, Islamabad also said on Thursday that there remains no doubt that the suicide attack in Besham was orchestrated by enemies of Pakistan-China friendship.

“Together, we will resolutely act against all such acts and forces and defeat them," said FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
She further expressed Islamabad’s determination to work with Beijing in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

 

PM demands probe

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed a thorough joint investigation into the Besham terrorist attack utilising all state resources.

Chairing an emergency meeting following the attack, the prime minister praised the swift response of law enforcement and locals, which saved many lives.

The meeting was attended by the federal ministers, chief of the army staff, chief ministers, chief secretaries and inspector generals of police of respective provinces, a PM Office press release said.

Besham attack

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.