ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Pakistan has assured the Chinese leadership of swift and severe action against all those behind the killing of three Chinese engineers in a terrorist attack in Hub on Wednesday and pledged safety and security of other Chinese nationals working in the country.
The assurance was held out by President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in their separate messages of condolence to Chinese President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
“I wish to assure you that all those involved in this terrorist act will be tracked and meted out the most severe punishment. We will also ensure the safety and security of all Chinese nationals in Pakistan,” Gen Musharraf said in a message addressed to his Chinese counterpart Mr Hu Jintao.
“I wish to convey to you, the government and the people of China our sense of shock, indignation and deep sadness on the loss of precious Chinese lives in a dastardly terrorist attack near Hub yesterday,” he added.
He said the government and the people of Pakistan shared the pain of the Chinese people and in particular the sufferings of the members of the bereaved families.
“This despicable crime committed against our Chinese friends was perpetrated on the mistaken belief that it could undermine the time-tested friendship and multiple bonds of goodwill and solidarity between our peoples,” the president said. “In fact, it will further strengthen our resolve to pursue with even greater vigour our campaign against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he emphasised.
Mr Aziz in his message to the Chinese premier expressed similar sentiments.
“Our hearts go out in sympathy to the families of our Chinese friends who fell victim to this sordid terrorist act,” the prime minister said.
