ISLAMABAD: In addition to promising constant safety for the people of the nation’s closest partner, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Tuesday that he has made breakthrough arrests connected to recent attacks on Chinese nationals.
Mr. Dar made his remarks at the Pakistan-China Institute’s “China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation and Global Leadership” conference, when he reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to security in the face of an increase in events involving Chinese nationals inside its boundaries.
Mr. Dar said that authorities had detained several persons suspected of being engaged in recent instances, but he did not elaborate.
He revealed, “The majority of the attackers have been hauled up.” “We would do all in our power to safeguard Chinese people’s lives and property in Pakistan. During President Zardari’s visit to China next month, more information will be immediately communicated with President Xi Jinping. These suspects will be held accountable following the proper legal procedures.
China’s ambassador calls on Pakistan to act swiftly to protect its people and interests.
The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for a suicide strike near Karachi’s airport earlier this month that killed two Chinese nationals and injured ten more.
Speaking on this occasion, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong advocated further action to protect Chinese assets and residents, expressing Beijing’s concerns over these dangers.
“President Xi places a high priority on the security of Chinese citizens,” Mr. Jiang stated, adding that Mr. Xi has made this point clear on several times during his meetings with Pakistani officials.
Internal security issues were also brought up by Mr. Dar, who subtly criticized former Pakistani intelligence chief Faiz Hameed—who is presently facing a court-martial trial—for past actions that he claimed had undermined Pakistan’s security environment.
Mr. Dar emphasized the government’s recent counterterrorism operation, Azm-i-Istehkam, as a step toward reestablishing stability and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism. Although there aren’t many foreign military threats to Pakistan, he pointed out that “inimical forces” are working to undermine its economy.
Mr. Dar emphasized that the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, which is centered on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is still robust and that Pakistani security forces are totally dedicated to preserving it as it expands into important economic areas.
