Washington (Web Desk): The United States (US) has condemned the attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Bisham.
During a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said we are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained and share our heartfelt condolences with those affected by the attack.
The spokesperson said Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists.
He said the Chinese nationals and Pakistan have been the victims of terrorist attacks and no country should suffer the acts of terror.
Five Chinese and one Pakistani national were killed on Tuesday in a terrorist attack near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.
China’s embassy demanded investigations into the attack.
“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan have immediately launched emergency work, demanding that the Pakistani side conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, severely punish the perpetrators and take practical and effective measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens,” the embassy said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Pakistani military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the whole nation stands in solidarity with our Chinese brothers and unequivocally condemn this cowardly act.
“The recent incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, notably in Gwadar, Turbat, and Besham, are dastardly acts aimed at destabilizing the internal security situation,” it added.
While the first two attempts were successfully thwarted by the armed forces, the latest incident at Bisham led to the loss of 6 innocent civilians including 5 Chinese nationals.
“Strategic projects and sensitive sites vital for Pakistan's economic progress and the well-being of its people are being targeted as a conscious effort to retard our progress and sow discord between Pakistan and its strategic allies and partners, most notably China,” the statement said.
It added that certain foreign elements are complicit in aiding and abetting terrorism in Pakistan, driven by their vested interests. Despite the veneer of innocence, these elements are being continuously exposed as sponsors of terror.
The military’s media wing said that such heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians, foreigners and the armed forces will not deter the resolve of the Pakistani people, its security forces and our partners to root out the menace terrorism from our country.
“Pakistan, as the frontline state against terror, remains perhaps the only nation directly confronting the international terrorist enterprise with absolute steadfastness and full resolve of the state,” the ISPR said.
The statement said that with the unwavering support of the resilient nation and our iron-clad ally China, we will ensure that all those involved in aiding terrorism, directly or indirectly, are held accountable and find their due comeuppance.
“Together we will prevail over adversity and evil. INSHA ALLAH,” the ISPR said.