'Hostile enemies' behind KU attack to sabotage CPEC, says Alvi in visit to Chinese embassy

Published April 30, 2022
President Dr Arif Alvi (L) meets Charge d’ Affaires Pang Chunxue at the Chinese Embassy on Saturday. — The President of Pakistan Twitter
President Dr Arif Alvi (L) meets Charge d’ Affaires Pang Chunxue at the Chinese Embassy on Saturday. — The President of Pakistan Twitter

President Arif Alvi on Saturday said the "hostile intent of our enemies" was behind the suicide attack that targeted Chinese instructors at Karachi University, which he said was a bid to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and harm the friendship between the two nations.

Three Chinese teachers and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack, while four others were injured in a suicide blast that struck their vehicle as it approached the Confucius Institute in the university.

During a visit to the Chinese embassy today, the president condemned the incident and vowed the "hostile countries" behind it "would not succeed in their designs" as Pakistan and China enjoy a deep friendship and are strongly committed to further strengthen the "all-weather friendship", according to a statement issued by the President's Secretariat.

The president offered his condolences to the embassy officials, according to Chinese Cultural Counsellor Zhang Heqing.

He asked Charge d’ Affaires Pang Chunxue to convey his heartfelt condolences to the Chinese people, the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping.

Alvi said the entire nation was in "deep pain and shock over the unfortunate incident" and shared in the grief of the Chinese people.

He reassured them that Pakistan would leave "no stone unturned" to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and bring the elements involved in the incident to justice.

Pang thanked President Alvi for his visit and expression of solidarity with the Chinese people and government.

She said that "both countries have a shared future" and a long history of friendship and close cooperation. She condemned the attack and hoped that the "culprit behind this incident would be apprehended and punished," the statement said.

President Alvi later wrote remarks in the embassy's visitor's book.

The Chinese Embassy also released a message thanking Pakistani officials for the series of visits to condemn the attack and offer their support after the loss of China's nationals. "Together we will defeat terrorism and work for a shared future," it said.

Opinion

Editorial

Open discord
29 Mar, 2023

Open discord

It is now seen that even the country’s top judges are not immune to uncharitable public opinion after they hang up their robes.
A milestone
29 Mar, 2023

A milestone

WITH Humza Yousaf poised to become First Minister of Scotland’s semi-autonomous government, some of the top public...
A grave hazard
29 Mar, 2023

A grave hazard

IN these stressful times, all distractions are welcome. According to a recent report, carried by this paper, the...
Internal chaos
28 Mar, 2023

Internal chaos

The govt seems to be having great trouble asserting itself while remaining within the limits of the law.
Health insurance
28 Mar, 2023

Health insurance

IT is frustrating to watch a major public welfare initiative meant to ensure universal health coverage for 25m...
HDT chief’s detention
28 Mar, 2023

HDT chief’s detention

RATHER than lending a sympathetic ear to the people of Balochistan, the state’s response more often than not is to...