–PM Imran calls attack on Chinese consulate in Karachi reaction to ‘unprecedented’ Pak-China trade agreements, orders probe
–FM and info minister condemn ‘cowardly’ attack in Karachi, laud timely action by security forces
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday took to Twitter to condemn the terror attacks in Orakzai and at the Chinese Consulate in Karachi.
At least 31 people were killed and another 40 injured in a blast in Lower Orakzai region of Hangu. Meanwhile, in Karachi, security forces foiled an attempt to enter the Chinese office, as a result of which three terrorists were killed and two police officers and two passersby martyred.
The prime minister condemned the attacks and sent his prayers to the families of victims. He also paid tribute to the “brave security personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists” in entering the consulate.
Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
Following up his earlier comment, the prime minister expressed his vehement belief that the two attacks were “part of a planned campaign to create unrest” by Pakistan’s opponents.
“Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes,” he stressed.
I am absolutely clear both these attacks are part of a planned campaign to create unrest in the country by those who do not want Pakistan to prosper. Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes. https://t.co/AhPpjsUGEq
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
He also asserted that the foiled attack at the Chinese consular office was a “reaction to Pakistan’s trade agreements with China” that were forged during the official trip.
“The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed,” he added.
The failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was clearly a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
PM ORDERS PROBE INTO TERROR ATTACK:
Earlier, PM Imran also ordered a probe into the incident at the Chinese consular office.
A statement said: “the PM has ordered a complete probe into the incident and has desired that elements behind this incident must be unearthed, the incident is part of a conspiracy against Pakistan and China economic and strategic cooperation”.
“However, such incidents will never be able to undermine the Pakistan-China relationship that is mightier than the Himalayas and deeper than the Arabian Sea.”
“Karachi police and Rangers have shown exceptional courage and nation salutes the martyrs and their colleagues for acting so vigilantly, their gallantry is something we are proud of.”
FM CONDEMNS ‘COWARDLY’ ATTACK:
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Information Fawad Chaudhry also condemned the attack as “cowardly” and lauded the timely action by police and rangers who foiled the attack.
“21 people were present inside the Chinese consulate in Karachi. All remained safe. [All] three terrorists were killed,” the foreign minister told the state television. “It was a cowardly attempt by terrorists,” he added.
The foreign minister said he had spoken to the Chinese consul general and the Chinese ambassador. The Chinese ambassador is satisfied with the prompt response from the Pakistani security forces, he said.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Foreign Office condemned the attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
“We condemn the attack on Chinese Consulate in Karachi. Security forces took charge. Three terrorists killed. All Chinese are safe,” Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal tweeted shortly after the attack.
Further, Information Minister Fawad condemned the attack and labelled it a “conspiracy” targetting Pakistan-China socioeconomic and strategic ties.
He said such incidents cannot hinder the friendship between the two neighbours.
Chaudhry lauded the security forces for their prompt action to foil the terrorist attack, saying that an exemplary resilience was exhibited by the police and rangers.
“Pakistan will continue its journey towards peace and progress under PM Imran’s leadership,” the minister vowed.