At least five Chinese dam workers and their local driver were killed in a suicide attack in northwest Pakistan Tuesday. The tragic incident occurred when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden car into the vehicle carrying the Chinese workers and their driver. The attack has been condemned by the Chinese government and has raised concerns about the safety of Chinese workers abroad.
The Chinese workers were part of a team working on the Dasu hydropower project in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The project is a joint venture between the Pakistani and Chinese governments and is crucial for providing electricity to the people of Pakistan. The workers were on their way to the project site when they were targeted by the suicide bomber.
The attack has been claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group that has been responsible for multiple attacks in the region. The TTP has stated that the attack was in retaliation for the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang province. However, this has been strongly denied by the Chinese government, who have called the attack a “terrorist act”.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and stated that China strongly condemns any form of terrorism. He also called on the Pakistani government to take swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of Chinese workers in the country.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has also issued a statement, expressing shock and grief over the attack. The embassy has urged the Pakistani government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. The embassy has also asked for a thorough investigation to be carried out and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety of Chinese workers abroad, especially in countries where there is ongoing conflict and tensions. China has been actively involved in various development projects in Pakistan and other countries as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. The attack on Chinese workers has once again highlighted the risks involved in such projects and the need for increased security measures.
The Chinese government has always been committed to promoting peace and development in countries around the world. It has been a major contributor to infrastructure projects in Pakistan and other developing countries, providing much-needed support for their economic growth. However, such attacks on Chinese workers not only jeopardize the progress of these projects but also put the lives of innocent workers at risk.
The Chinese government has called on the international community to work together to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of its citizens abroad. It has also urged for increased security measures to be put in place to protect Chinese workers in high-risk areas.
The attack on the Chinese workers has been met with widespread condemnation from the international community. The United Nations has also strongly condemned the attack and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and called for a global effort to combat terrorism.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the need for unity and cooperation among countries to address the threat of terrorism. The Chinese government has always been committed to promoting peace and development, and it will continue to work with the international community to ensure the safety and security of its citizens abroad.
In conclusion, the attack on the Chinese dam workers in Pakistan is a heinous act of terrorism that has claimed innocent lives. The Chinese government has strongly condemned the attack and called for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for increased security measures and international cooperation to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of workers abroad. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.