China has demanded a comprehensive investigation following an attack in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla, resulting in the deaths of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani. The attack targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers traveling from Islamabad to their camp in Dasu, with a suicide bomber ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into the convoy, according to regional authorities.
Mohammad Ali Gandapur, the regional police chief, confirmed the fatalities, stating that five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the blast. Bisham SHO Bakht Zahir also corroborated the incident as a suicide blast and assured that investigations were underway.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has demanded a thorough investigation into the attack and urged severe punishment for the perpetrators. This incident comes after a similar attack in July 2021, where nine Chinese nationals lost their lives.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) labeled the attack as a cowardly act aimed at destabilizing internal security. It highlighted Pakistan’s resolve to combat terrorism and its commitment to protecting its strategic alliances, particularly with China.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned the attack, vowing to take necessary measures to bring the terrorists to justice. President Asif Ali Zardari and other political figures expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-China friendship.
The incident drew widespread condemnation from various quarters, with leaders emphasizing the need to thwart attempts to undermine the strong bond between Pakistan and China. They pledged to stand united against terrorism and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.