In a tragic incident on Tuesday in Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwest Pakistan, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden car, killing five Chinese construction workers and their Pakistani driver. The victims, identified as engineers and construction workers for the Dasu Dam—Pakistan’s largest hydropower project—were en route to the site when attacked. Following the explosion, authorities initiated a search operation for possible accomplices and launched an investigation into the incident.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack; however, suspicion may fall on Baluch separatists, known for similar past actions. This incident occurred shortly after Pakistani forces neutralized eight militants from the Baluchistan Liberation Army, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with military and political leaders, strongly condemned the attack, pledging justice for the victims and reiterating the country’s resolve against terrorism. Sharif expressed national solidarity with the families of the deceased during a visit to the Chinese Embassy, meeting Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to assure a thorough investigation and severe punishment for the perpetrators.
The Chinese Embassy has demanded a comprehensive inquiry and action against those behind the attack, emphasizing the importance of security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed these sentiments, recognizing the targeted Chinese citizens as friends of Pakistan and vowing a stringent response to the attackers.
This incident underscores the security risks for Chinese workers in Pakistan, particularly those involved with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vital component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Despite enhanced security measures following previous attacks, challenges persist, underscoring the need for vigilant protection of international collaborations against the backdrop of Pakistan’s economic crisis.–Web Desk