The Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and Chief Ministers participated in a security conference. The government declared the formation of a JIT. The President expressed condolences. Beijing pledges to combat efforts to weaken China-Pakistan collaboration. The UNSC encourages nations to aid in capturing the culprits; the US states that no assistance request has been made for the investigation.
Islamabad affirms its commitment to eradicate terrorism following the tragic loss of five Chinese citizens in a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bisham. The government pledges to utilize all available resources to swiftly apprehend the culprits and maintain justice.
In reaction to the Chinese government’s request for an immediate investigation into the incident and taking action against those involved, the government established a joint investigation team (JIT) on Wednesday to examine the attack.
In an urgent gathering led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, there was a unified resolve to eliminate terrorism. This significant event was attended by top officials such as COAS Gen Asim Munir, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, chief secretaries, inspector generals, and IGs from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
On Tuesday, a tragic event occurred when five Chinese engineers, accompanied by their Pakistani driver, lost their lives in a suicide bombing. This incident took place while they were traveling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, which is located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The unfortunate attack targeted their bus in Bisham, a city within the Shangla district of KP.
In the meeting, it was resolved that the government would take strong measures to suppress terrorism’s reemergence within the nation, regardless of the expense. As per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mr. Sharif expressed his sincere sympathy to the families of the victims and promised to ensure that the culprits face legal consequences.
The prime minister expressed that the entire nation mourned the unfortunate loss of Chinese lives and ordered a comprehensive joint investigation involving all available state resources. In the official statement, he mentioned that the actions aimed at disrupting the Pakistan-China friendship were specifically designed to foster distrust between these two strong allies, often referred to as “iron brothers.”
In the meeting, the COAS emphasized the commitment of the armed forces to eradicate the terrorism issue affecting the nation. Acknowledging the recent increase in terrorist activities, General Munir expressed confidence in the strength and determination of both the state and the Pakistani people.
He further assured that every effort will be made to protect foreign citizens, particularly Chinese nationals, who are contributing to Pakistan’s growth and prosperity. The fight against terrorism will be pursued with unwavering vigor and persistence.
During a recent Iftar dinner, held to honor diplomatic corps members at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to global peace initiatives. This support does not come at the expense of the nation’s citizens’ safety, sovereignty, or territorial integrity. Stressing Pakistan’s peaceful nature, Sharif stated, “As a nation that seeks peace with all, we harbor enmity with none.”
Previously, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the importance of regional and global cooperation in combating terrorism. He mentioned the recent attacks in Moscow and Bisham as a reminder of the shared threat. Pakistan remains dedicated to fostering peace worldwide and collaborating with other nations to bridge the gap towards a more harmonious global community.
Message of unity
Following the meeting, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar addressed the media, stating that the attendees acknowledged the necessity for a “unified approach” against terrorism. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to unity, highlighting that they stand together when their interests are threatened and know how to protect themselves and their allies.
The minister praised the security forces for their efforts in saving lives during recent attacks in Turbat, Gwadar, and Bisham. He announced the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the incidents. The meeting’s atmosphere was optimistic, and all participants were in agreement. Tarar concluded by reiterating their determination to relentlessly fight terrorism until it is completely eradicated.
President visits Chinese embassy
On Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Chinese embassy and addressed the increasing partnership between Pakistan and China, stating that regional adversaries couldn’t accept this growing bond. His visit aimed to express condolences following the tragic events on Tuesday. Prime Minister Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had previously visited the embassy to show support.
President Zardari assured Chinese Ambassador Mr. Jiang that the culprits behind the attack would be apprehended and that all necessary security measures would be implemented to protect Chinese citizens working on various projects in Pakistan. The ambassador expressed gratitude for the president’s personal visit and acknowledged the widespread condemnation of the terrorist act by Pakistanis across various sectors.
He emphasized the importance of bolstering counterterrorism cooperation and enhancing security for Chinese workers in the country. The ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan, as well as their ongoing support for projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Bids to undermine ties won’t succeed
On Wednesday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China and Pakistan are unwavering, strategic cooperative partners, as reported by APP. Lin Jian, during his regular briefing, dismissed any attempts to disrupt the China-Pakistan alliance in response to the Bisham attack. He vehemently denounced the act of terrorism and expressed deep sympathy for the victims.
Following the attack, the Chinese foreign ministry and the embassy in Pakistan promptly activated an emergency response mechanism. They maintained close communication with Pakistani authorities in Beijing and Islamabad, urging a swift and thorough investigation into the incident, identification and apprehension of the culprits, and ensuring their subsequent prosecution.
Lin requested Pakistan to implement effective measures to safeguard the well-being and security of Chinese citizens, establishments, and projects within the country. The Pakistani side committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation, sharing updates with China in a timely manner, and enhancing security measures to guarantee the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.
UNSC condemns attack
The UN Security Council has strongly denounced the Bisham attack as a “heinous and cowardly terrorist act” and urged all United Nations member states to collaborate with Pakistan and China in apprehending the perpetrators.
In a statement from New York, the 15-member council, including the five veto-holding nations, reaffirmed their stance that terrorism poses a significant threat to global peace and security. They emphasized the importance of identifying, prosecuting, and holding accountable those responsible for such acts, including perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors.
The council called on nations to adhere to their obligations and relevant Security Council resolutions, actively cooperating with the governments of Pakistan and China, as well as other relevant authorities, in addressing this issue. The council members reiterated that terrorism is a criminal and unjustifiable act, regardless of its motivations or perpetrators.
However, during a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that he was unaware of any request from Pakistan for assistance in investigating the Bisham attack.
