THE terrorist attack near Karachi airport, which tragically claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals, represents not only a direct assault on innocent lives but also a grievous affront to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. This heinous act was aimed at disrupting the close ties that have flourished over the years, particularly as both nations collaborate on pivotal projects like CPEC.
The timing of this attack is particularly insidious. It occurs as Pakistan prepares to host the SCO heads of government meeting, during which the Chinese Premier is expected to visit Islamabad. However, such cowardly tactics will not succeed in undermining the strong bonds that exist between our two nations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s unequivocal commitment to personally oversee the investigation into this attack demonstrates Pakistan’s determination to uphold the security of its Chinese friends. His assurance that “the culprits will be brought to justice” reflects a robust resolve that cannot be easily shaken. Our security and law enforcement agencies are poised to tackle this threat head-on, leaving no stone unturned to apprehend the attackers and their facilitators. It is essential to recognize that such acts of terror are part of a broader strategy by adversaries who wish to derail the development and prosperity promised by CPEC and other cooperative initiatives.
The successful continuation of these projects is crucial not only for Pakistan’s economic growth but also for regional stability. The resilience shown in the face of adversity will only strengthen the bilateral relationship, demonstrating that the forces of terrorism will not deter us from our goals. The best response to this vile act is to continue building on the Pakistan-China relationship, reaffirming the commitment to cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, infrastructure, and security. By doing so, we send a strong message to our detractors that their attempts to sabotage our friendship will ultimately fail. Every step forward in our collaboration will serve as a powerful rebuke to those who wish to see us divided.
