Suicide bomber targets Chinese engineers’ convoy, killing six
China’s embassy in Pakistan has called for an immediate and thorough investigation following a tragic suicide bombing that targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers. This incident, which resulted in the death of five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver, marks a serious escalation in attacks on Chinese interests in Pakistan, especially concerning those working on significant infrastructure projects.
The attack occurred as the engineers were travelling from Islamabad to their work camp in Dasu, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. A vehicle laden with explosives was deliberately driven into their convoy, causing devastating casualties. This assault is the third major attack on Chinese personnel and interests in Pakistan within a single week, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence aimed at disrupting the significant contributions of Chinese engineers to Pakistan’s development.
In response to this tragic event, the Chinese embassy has been proactive, initiating emergency procedures and pressing the Pakistani authorities for a comprehensive investigation to bring the culprits to justice. The embassy’s statement emphasized the necessity for Pakistan to implement effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in the country.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of attacks targeting Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan. Previous incidents include assaults on an airbase and a strategic port in Balochistan, a region where China has invested heavily as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative. CPEC itself is a cornerstone of China’s broader Belt and Road initiative, involving over $65 billion in investments in infrastructure projects across Pakistan.
The engineers were associated with the construction of a major dam in Dasu, an area that has witnessed similar attacks in the past, including a fatal bombing in 2021 that killed 13 people, among them nine Chinese nationals. The region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, known for its strategic importance and proximity to ongoing infrastructure projects, has become a focal point for both Islamist and ethnic militant activities, though the specific perpetrators of this recent attack remain unidentified.
Following the attack, local police and emergency services were promptly deployed to the scene, initiating relief operations and ensuring the safety of the remaining convoy members. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, including from Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to combat militant threats.
As Pakistan prepares for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to Beijing, this incident casts a shadow over the bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation between China and Pakistan, especially in the realm of infrastructure development and economic investment.
