Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with Chinese engineers working on a dam project in Dasu in northwest Pakistan and promised to provide “fool-proof” security to them, days after a deadly bombing targeted Chinese nationals in the Shangla district.
Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed on March 26 in Shangla, located in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when a bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into their vehicle.
The attack occurred in an area vital to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which encompasses various mega projects crucial for Pakistan’s economy. The victims were en route to Dasu Dam, Pakistan’s largest hydropower project, when they were targeted.
Speaking to Chinese engineers, PM Sharif offered his condolences over the death of the Chinese nationals and said the cowardly attack was an attempt by the disturb exceptional friendship between China and Pakistan.
“My dear Chinese brothers and sisters, I can see deep sense of sorrow and sadness on your faces as five of your very beloved colleagues left this world and rightly so you are full of sorrow and we share this moment of sorrow,” he said in televised comments.
“I want to assure you that the Government of Pakistan will not leave any stone unturned, will not leave any effort, will not spare any opportunity to ensure you get the best possible security for your families and yourself and that nothing will be left to chance in future.”
The prime minister noted that a joint investigation team was investigating the attack and was due to present its report soon. He once again assured the Chinese engineers, ambassador and the Chinese government that his country would bring to justice the perpetrators of the March 26 attack.
Sharif’s comments came hours Pakistani counterterrorism police conducted multiple raids and arrested at least 12 suspects in connection with last week’s suicide bombing, officials said.
The detainees were not directly involved in the attack but they helped those who orchestrated the bombing, AP news agency reported, citing three police and security officials. They said some of the detainees had links with Pakistani militants, adding that the suspects were still being questioned and other raids were ongoing.
The officials said some of the detained suspects transported an explosive-laden car to Shangla in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the suicide bomber rammed it into the vehicle carrying the Chinese workers.
