17 October 2004	Sunday	02 Ramazan 1425

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said a comprehensive plan has been chalked out for the security of Chinese working across the country.

The interior minister was talking to a Chinese delegation, led by Assistant Commerce Minister of China Chen Jian, which called on him at his office here on Saturday.

He said the security plan had been chalked out on the instructions of President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The minister said the security arrangements, which were already in place, would also be reviewed and enhanced. He also assured the delegation that no such incident would happen in future.

Mr Sherpao said as announced by the president earlier, the master mind of the hostage crisis would not be spared and he would have to pay the price.

Giving a detailed briefing on the kidnapping of Chinese engineers working on Gomal Zam Dam, he said all possible and available sources were utilized to get the hostages released safely and amicably.

The operation for release of hostages was carried out after all the options including tribal customs, values and traditions with the political administration's help were exhausted, he added.

The minister said the operation was carried out as a last resort after intercepting some radio communications of the terrorists in which they were planning to move out of the area with hostages or after killing them.

He further said in such operations accidents could occur, adding that "We are deeply saddened that one of the hostages lost his life due to severe injuries."

The whole nation is grieved on the death of our Chinese brother, he said. "We also condole with the family of the deceased and convey deep regrets to the whole of China," he added.

The Chinese assistant minister, on behalf of his government, said "We are fully satisfied and comfortable that Pakistan did utmost effort and care to get the hostages released."

He, however, said that precautionary measures should be taken to avoid such events in future.

Chen Jian said China would increase its economic cooperation with Pakistan.

Aftab Sherpao thanked the delegation and the whole Chinese nation for their support to Pakistan in its war against terrorism.-APP