ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the government would “leave no stone left unturned” to ensure the security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.
He made the remarks while speaking in Upper Kohistan’s Dasu to engineers from a Chinese company working on the dam project, according to Radio Pakistan. The premier was also accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.
The visit came days after five Chinese engineers — and their Pakistani driver — were killed in the suicide bombing on March 26 while travelling between Islamabad and a hydroelectric dam construction site in Dasu, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The bus was attacked in the Bisham city of KP’s Shangla district.
The Bisham attack was part of a series of assaults in a span of a few days specifically targeting Chinese interests, including previous incidents at the Gwadar Port Authority Complex and the Turbat naval base, both of which are integral to CPEC. These consecutive attacks underlined the escalating security challenges facing Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan.
The Bisham attack had prompted China to demand a thorough probe into the deadly blast and security for its citizens. In response, Islamabad announced a swift probe to hold the “perpetrators and accomplices” accountable.
Speaking in Dasu, the prime minister said: “I want to assure you that the government of Pakistan will not leave any stone unturned, will not spare any opportunity to make sure you get the best possible security for your families and yourself and that nothing will be left to chance.”
He added that he was aware his words would be put to the test but reassured that they were “our commitment to you”.PM Shehbaz said Chinese personnel were present in the country to support Pakistan’s efforts towards building a prosperous and progressive nation, therefore, “their security is our security”.
The premier added that “foolproof arrangements” for their security would be ensured.The prime minister said that the perpetrators of the Bisham attack would be caught and given “exemplary punishment” to deter similar incidents from taking place.
PM Shehbaz also elaborated on the various security measures and meetings held after the incident, adding that another high-level meeting was due in a few days.
