Deadly attack on Chinese won't go unpunished: FO
China on Monday confirmed that last night's terrorist attack at the periphery of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport killed 2 of its nationals in a yet another assault on Chinese that would certainly put pressure on Pakistani authorities to do more.
Islamabad, meanwhile, strongly condemning the terrorist attack, insisted that those who were behind it would not go "unpunished."
At least 19 Chinese nationals have been killed in terrorist attacks in Pakistan in the last few years. Pakistan had promised to ensure foolproof security for the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan after the March 26 attack that killed 5 engineers from the friendly country in Besham.
Following the attack, one of the senior Chinese ministers during a visit to Islamabad warned that without security it would be difficult for his country and investors to do business in Pakistan.
The latest attack happened just a week before Pakistan is scheduled to host a key regional conference of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The Chinese prime minister will be attending the SCO council of heads of governments. He will also undertake a bilateral visit before the SCO meeting. There is no word yet on whether the visit will take place as per schedule.
In order to ensure foolproof security during the Chinese PM's visit and the SCO meeting, the federal government on Monday announced holidays in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from October 14 through October 16.
The confirmation of the attack on the Chinese convoy first came from the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on Monday morning. Pakistani authorities were reluctant to share the full details.
The Chinese side, however, was more forthcoming.
"At around 11 pm on October 6th, a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited was attacked near the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, which caused two Chinese dead, one Chinese injured and some local casualties," read a statement of the Chinese Embassy. "The banned outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack," it added
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemned this terrorist attack, expressed deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries and sincere sympathies to the injured and families, adding that they were making?every effort to handle the aftermath?together with the Pakistani side.
"The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan have?launched an emergency plan immediately, requesting the Pakistani side to?thoroughly investigate the attack, severely punish the perpetrators, and take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan," it added.
It further said the Chinese Embassy?and Consulates General?in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects?in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions.
After the Chinese statement, the Foreign Office said Pakistan strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack near Karachi airport last night, which claimed the lives of two Chinese engineers while injuring another.
"We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured."
"This deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.
"We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the [BLA's] Majeed Brigade. Pakistan's security and law enforcement agencies will spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and their facilitators. This barbaric act will not go unpunished."
It said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in close contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation.
"Pakistan and China are close partners and iron-brothers, united by a bond of mutual respect and shared destiny. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and will continue to work hand in hand with our Chinese brothers to defeat the forces of terror," it said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad where he met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to express his condolences following the tragic terrorist attack on a Chinese convoy in Karachi.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz conveyed his deep sorrow and grief over the loss of Chinese nationals in the incident, assuring the ambassador that the Pakistani government is fully committed to identifying the perpetrators as swiftly as possible.
"The government is actively working to ensure the immediate identification of those responsible for this heinous act. They will be brought to justice without delay," the PM stated, adding that the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is the government's top priority.
Following the Besham attack, China had proposed a joint security company to ensure security of its nationals in Pakistan. Islamabad, however, was reluctant to accept the suggestion. With the latest attack, observers believe Pakistan may have to accommodate the Chinese proposals.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said there was no harm in accepting the Chinese proposals. He referred to how Pakistan had allowed the American CIA and Blackwater to operate from Pakistan during the US War on Terror.
He expressed concerns that Chinese nationals were being repeatedly targeted in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office spokesperson at a weekly news briefing indicated that the Karachi terrorist attack would not have any impact on the SCO meeting.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan will host the Twenty-third meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the SCO member states from October 15 to October 16i n Islamabad. The CHG is the second highest decision-making body of the SCO.
"In his capacity as the current chair of the CHG, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will preside over the upcoming CHG meeting. We expect high level participations from SCO members; the observer state of Mongolia; Turkmenistan as a special guest; and representatives of the international organizations including Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and European Economic Community (EEC)."
She said the CHG meeting will discuss cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, environment, socio-cultural linkages as well as reviewing the performance of the Organization.
The leaders will adopt important organizational decisions to further enhance cooperation among SCO member States and approve the budget of the Organization.
Since becoming a member in 2017, Pakistan has worked consistently and constructively to strengthen good neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation among SCO member States.
"Hosting of the CHG reflects the abiding commitment of Pakistan to the purposes and principles of the SCO charter and the values of Shanghai Spirit," she said.