Pakistani counterterrorism police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese workers and their Pakistani driver. Although the detainees were not directly involved in the attack, they provided assistance to the perpetrators and had links to Pakistani militants. The suspects were involved in transporting an explosive-laden car to Shangla in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where the suicide bombing took place. The police are still questioning the suspects, and more raids are ongoing to uncover any additional information.
The bodies of the five Chinese nationals killed in the attack were flown to Beijing from a military air base in Rawalpindi. The Chinese ambassador and Pakistani Cabinet minister were present to receive the bodies and convey their condolences to the victims’ families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Dasu Dam, where the Chinese workers were headed when they were attacked, to meet with Chinese engineers and workers and be briefed on the project’s progress. Chinese and Pakistani investigators are conducting separate probes into the attack, which has led to nationwide condemnation.
China has requested that Pakistan ensure the protection of Chinese nationals working on various projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The attack on the Chinese workers is not an isolated incident, as similar attacks have targeted Chinese nationals in the past. In July 2021, a suicide bomber targeted a bus carrying Chinese and Pakistani engineers and laborers, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals. Following this incident, Chinese companies temporarily suspended work on CPEC-related projects due to security concerns.
The detainees arrested in connection with the recent suicide bombing targeting the Chinese workers were not directly involved in the attack but provided assistance to the perpetrators. Some of the suspects had links to Pakistani militants, highlighting the complex network involved in carrying out such attacks. Pakistani authorities are working closely with Chinese officials to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working on various projects in Pakistan, including the Dasu Dam. The attack has underscored the need for increased security measures and cooperation between China and Pakistan to prevent further incidents targeting Chinese workers.
The bodies of the Chinese nationals killed in the suicide bombing were repatriated to China, where they were received with condolences from Pakistani and Chinese officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the Dasu Dam project site demonstrates the commitment of the Pakistani government to supporting Chinese projects in the country. Chinese and Pakistani investigators are conducting thorough probes into the attack to identify the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents in the future. The protection of Chinese workers in Pakistan remains a top priority for both countries as they work together on projects under the CPEC.
The recent arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the suicide bombing targeting Chinese workers highlights the ongoing threat of terrorism in Pakistan and the challenges faced by authorities in combating extremism. The detainees, although not directly involved in the attack, played a crucial role in facilitating the bombing and had connections to militant groups in Pakistan. The cooperation between China and Pakistan in investigating the attack and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals underscores the importance of bilateral relations in addressing security challenges. As both countries continue to work together on projects under the CPEC, efforts to enhance security measures and prevent future attacks on Chinese workers will be paramount.
