China seeks action against terrorists

The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan on Friday termed the recent visit of the Chinese premier to Pakistan "complete success" but urged Islamabad to take practical and concrete steps to crack down on terrorist groups targeting Chinese nationals in the country.

"Top priority should be the security of the Chinese personnel in Pakistan because they come to Pakistan to participate in Pakistan's development," Jiang Zaidong told a select group of journalists at a rare press conference at his residence in the Chinese Embassy.

"They [Chinese] are innocent and they don't deserve this kind of sacrifice and their families do not deserve this kind of tragedy," the envoy added.

The Ambassador said during the recent visit of the Chinese premier, the Pakistani leader made commitments that the government would crackdown on terrorism and effectively safeguard the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

Just days before the visit of the Chinese premier, two Chinese engineers were killed in a terrorist attack outside the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. The ambassador noted that this was the second terrorist attack this year on Chinese nationals.

He said this was not acceptable. "We hope the Pakistani side translates statements into concrete actions," the envoy stressed. He also emphasised that those who were behind these incidents must be apprehended and brought to justice as soon as possible.

The Chinese ambassador said his country was cooperating with Pakistan in the counter-terrorism efforts and was ready to extend all possible assistance to counter this menace.

Referring to the Chinese investment under the banner of CPEC, the ambassador noted: "We believe high value projects deserve to enjoy high level security arrangements."

Talking about the outcome of the Chinese premier's visit, the ambassador said that the visit occurred amidst frequent high-level exchanges, and signified the strengthening of diplomatic relations, particularly since the formation of the new Pakistani government.

He pointed out that the Chinese president sent congratulatory message to Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif over his election after the February 8 polls. "This has never happened before. The Chinese president only sends messages to the heads of states, not, to the heads of government," he said.

"The friendship is characterised by strong bilateral relations and the head of state diplomacy. The leaders of both the countries have played a crucial role in advancing the relationship."

Earlier, a senior Chinese diplomat briefed reporters about the visit of Premier Li Qiang. "The visit was a complete success," the diplomat added.