A dastardly attack on a bus carrying Chinese workers transporting staff of the Dasu dam project in Bisham resulted in the death of five Chinese citizens including a woman and one Pakistani national — the driver. On 26 March, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the bus, travelling from Islamabad to Dasu, the site of a key hydroelectric dam being constructed by a Chinese company, 270 km from the capital. This is not the first time that Chinese experts working on the Dasu Dam have been targeted. On 14 July 2021, nine Chinese and four Pakistanis were killed after a suicide explosion targeted their vehicle. In response to the 2021 attack, Pakistan had increased the security of the Chinese nationals and it was decided that the Chinese nationals would travel in the form of a convoy. Unfortunately, lightning struck twice in the same place with this latest attack. It was announced that the multilayer security of the Chinese national executing the Dasu dam, and the residential campus has further been enhanced following the suicidal attack on engineers of one of the flagship energy projects of Sino-Pak friendship.
Condolences have poured in for the loss of lives in the brazen attack while the Chinese Diplomatic Missions in Pakistan have strongly condemned this terrorist attack, expressed deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, and declared in a statement that they are making every effort to handle the aftermath together with the Pakistani side. The statement said the Chinese mission in Pakistan was taking “all necessary measures to protect” the Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad announced that an “emergency plan” had been launched immediately, requesting the Pakistani side to thoroughly investigate the attack and severely punish the perpetrators.
During a press briefing, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller also condemned the attack on the Chinese convoy. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained. We share our heartfelt condolences with those affected by the attack. The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists. I note that PRC nationals in Pakistan have also been the victims of terrorist attacks and no country should suffer the acts of terror attacks.” In a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian expressed strong support for iron brother Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Lijian emphasized Beijing’s vowed commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals, institutions and projects abroad, stating that both countries are determined and capable of making terrorists pay the price. Lijian reiterated the enduring partnership between both sides, saying no efforts undermine their cooperation. He also highlighted China’s support for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development and its commitment to working together in various fields for the benefit of both peoples. Simultaneously, Pakistani civil-military authority held a high-level security meeting and renewed pledge to protect Chinese nationals working in the country.
However, it leaves a gap in the security planning that after terrorist attacks in Gwadar—the centrepiece of the $62bn dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a week earlier and a night before, on a naval base in Turbat—why security on strategic targets and projects involving Chinese engineers and technicians was not enhanced. In the past few weeks, bold attacks by terrorists have been on the rise, taking a toll of precious lives. While foreign agents have been blamed for the shameless attacks and surgical strikes have been carried out in neighbouring Afghanistan on alleged strongholds of the terror mongers, they have not stemmed the rot. It is imperative that the precarious situation is tackled on a war footing before more assaults destabilize Pakistan.
To address this grave issue, several steps should be taken. These involve taking enhanced security measures, which necessitate increased patrols and security checkpoints along the highway to deter attacks. It also requires the deployment of well-trained security personnel to safeguard travellers and convoys. Pakistan owes it to its prime benefactor China to protect its engineers, technicians and experts working on various projects in Pakistan. This entails collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese security forces to share intelligence and coordinate efforts. In the realm of intelligence and surveillance, it is imperative to strengthen intelligence gathering to identify potential threats and pre-empt attacks. It is urged that the use of technology, such as surveillance cameras, be used to monitor critical points along the highway. Community Engagement will yield positive results. We should engage local communities living near the highway to foster cooperation and gather information. There should be concerted effort to raise awareness about the importance of security and reporting suspicious activities.
Another aspect that merits prompt attention is Emergency Response Preparedness. This will require training of bus drivers and passengers to respond effectively during emergencies. There is a dire need to establish communication networks for quick reporting and assistance. This involves Strategic Route Planning, in which we should review and optimize travel schedules to minimize vulnerability during specific times or routes. It is essential to implement convoy systems with security escorts for buses and vehicles. Public Awareness Campaigns will go a long way in achieving the desired results. There is a need to educate travellers about safety precautions and emergency procedures as well as promote vigilance and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.
There is a dire need to launch diplomatic efforts to reassure China of our intent to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. We must engage with China to jointly address security challenges. The steps also require that we seek international cooperation to combat terrorism along the CPEC. Touched to the quick at the loss of Chinese personnel in Shangla, the Chinese military has expressed its willingness to work with Pakistan to enhance capability of the two countries to tackle various security risks and challenges including terrorist attacks. It is heartening that China considers protecting lives and ensuring safe travel a shared responsibility. Let us stand united against terrorism and work towards a secure and peaceful region.
—The writer is a Retired Group Captain of PAF, who has written several books on China.
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