Daily Times

The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan on Friday termed the recent visit of the Chinese prime minister a “complete success” but urged Pakistan to take practical and concrete steps to crack down on terrorist groups targeting Chinese nationals in the country.

“Top priority should be the security of Chinese personnel because they come to Pakistan to participate in the country’s development,” Jiang Zaidong told a select group of journalists at a rare press conference at his residence in the Chinese Embassy.

“They (Chinese) are innocent and they don’t deserve this kind of sacrifice and their families do not deserve this kind of tragedy,” the Chinese envoy added.

The Ambassador said that during the recent visit of the Chinese PM, the Pakistani leadership made commitments that the government would crackdown on terrorism and effectively safeguard the security of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects.

Just days before the visit of the Chinese PM, two Chinese engineers were killed in a terrorist attack outside the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. The Ambassador noted that this was the second terrorist attack this year on Chinese nationals, adding that it is not acceptable.

“We hope the Pakistani side translates statements into concrete actions,” the Chinese envoy stressed. He also stressed that those who were behind these incidents must be apprehended and brought to justice as soon as possible. The envoy further said his country was cooperating with Pakistan in the counter-terrorism efforts and was ready to extend all possible assistance to counter this menace.

Referring to the Chinese investment under the banner of CPEC, he noted, “We believe high-value projects deserve high-level security arrangements.”

Talking about the outcome of the Chinese PM’s visit, the envoy said the visit occurred amidst frequent high-level exchanges and signifies the strengthening of diplomatic relations, particularly since the formation of the new Pakistani government.

He pointed out that the Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Shebhaz Sharif over his election after the February 8 polls. “This has never happened before. The Chinese President only sends messages to the heads of state, not, to the heads of government,” the envoy said.

He added, “The friendship is characterized by strong bilateral relations and head of state diplomacy. The leaders of both countries have played a crucial role in advancing the relationship.”

Earlier, a senior Chinese diplomat briefed reporters about the visit of PM Li Qiang. “The visit was a complete success,” the diplomat added.