Pakistan has announced that it will pay $2.58 million in compensation to the families of five Chinese engineers who were killed in a suicide bombing attack in March. The engineers were targeted while traveling to work at Dasu Dam, the country’s largest dam. The compensation will also include $8,950 for the family of the Pakistani driver who died in the attack. The government has attributed the attack to a planned plot in Afghanistan, with the suicide bomber being identified as an Afghan citizen. Both the Afghan government and Pakistani militants have denied any involvement in the attack.
The decision to provide compensation was made during a meeting led by Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, according to a statement from the finance ministry. The attack on the Chinese engineers has raised concerns about the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan, particularly those involved in projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. There have been previous incidents of attacks on Chinese workers, with militants accusing them of exploiting the country’s mineral resources.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a major initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two countries through infrastructure development. Thousands of Chinese workers are involved in various projects under this initiative, making them vulnerable to security threats from militants. The Pakistani government has been working to improve security measures for foreign workers in the country, but incidents like the attack on the Chinese engineers highlight the ongoing challenges faced in this regard.
The compensation provided to the families of the victims is a gesture of support and condolence from the Pakistani government. It is aimed at helping the families cope with the loss of their loved ones and provide some financial relief during a difficult time. The attack on the Chinese engineers has also raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the region, particularly in areas where foreign workers are involved in infrastructure projects.
The government’s response to the attack reflects its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of foreign workers in Pakistan. The payment of compensation demonstrates a recognition of the sacrifices made by the victims and their families, as well as a commitment to holding perpetrators of such attacks accountable. The government’s efforts to address security concerns and enhance collaboration with other countries in the region will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and promoting a conducive environment for foreign investment and development projects.
Overall, the compensation provided to the families of the Chinese engineers killed in the attack highlights the challenges faced in ensuring the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan. The incident serves as a reminder of the security risks associated with infrastructure projects in the region, and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between countries to address these challenges. The government’s response to the attack reflects its commitment to protecting foreign workers and maintaining stability in the region for economic development and cooperation.