China to work with Pakistan to protect Chinese personnel following attack

BEIJING: China said on Thursday it would work with Pakistan to ensure safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, following the killing of two Chinese engineers claimed by a separatist militant group on Sunday.

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, said she was not aware of reports that Pakistani authorities are seeking to curb movements of Chinese citizens during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting next week because of a security risk from militant groups targeting them. Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari visited the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on Thursday and offered his heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan over the tragic killing of Chinese citizens in a terrorist attack in Karachi on 7th October 2024.

Strongly condemning the terrorist attack, President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated his resolve to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. He expressed Pakistan’s solidarity with Chinese brothers and sisters in this hour of grief.

Talking to the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the president said that the Chinese government and people have contributed to the socio-economic development of Pakistan and the enemies of both countries did not want to see the growing partnership between the two states. He said that such cowardly acts by the elements could not weaken the bonds of friendship between the two time-tested friends.

The president reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the Chinese nationals residing in the country.