Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that suspects involved in the March 26 terrorist attack that killed five Chinese engineers have been identified.
The Chinese engineers and their Pakistani drivers were killed in a suicide attack on the Karakoram Highway. Initial findings of the investigations found a link between Afghanistan and the terrorist attack.
Speaking informally to the media in the Parliament House, he said that the Secretary of Interior and Foreign Office officials have travelled to Kabul to brief Afghan authorities about those involved in the attack.
“We have identified the culprits responsible for the attacks on Chinese engineers. The Secretary of Interior and Foreign Office officials are in Kabul to ensure Afghan authorities are fully briefed about those involved,” he said.
Dar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be visiting China from June 4 to 8. “Good news is expected from this visit, especially regarding issues related to CPEC and its security. I have already discussed these matters during my recent visit to China, and they will also be addressed during the prime minister’s visit.”
Dar also mentioned the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan, noting that the visit had been delayed due to the illness of the Crown Prince’s father. “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has postponed not only his visit to Pakistan but also to Japan,” he added.
Dar emphasised his firm belief in negotiation and reconciliation. “I strongly believe in dialogue and reconciliation in politics. The 126-day sit-in in front of this Parliament was resolved through negotiations, but no dialogue will be held with those who stand against the state.”
Referring to the events of May 9, Dar stated, “The May 9 incident was an uprising against the state. Attacks on GHQ, Jinnah House, and other installations cannot be forgiven. The stance taken in the Formation Commanders’ meeting reflects the sentiment of every Pakistani. There will be no leniency for those involved in the May 9 incident.”
Meanwhile, US Ambassador Donald Blome visited Parliament House and met with Dar. The meeting included discussions on Pakistan-US relations and matters of mutual interest.
The dialogue covered cooperation in counter-terrorism, Pakistan’s economic reforms, and efforts to address security, regional, and economic challenges.
