Islamabad (PEN): In defiance of objections from regional adversaries, China directed its personnel to recommence activities on the Tarbela Dam extension project just days following the demise of five Chinese engineers in a suicide bombing in Besham. According to a memorandum from the Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd dated March 28, “employees and office personnel are set to return to their duties after a brief halt in operations.””China is committed to advancing bilateral ties and enhancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with high-quality development, in partnership with Pakistan,” a preceding declaration from the Chinese foreign ministry highlighted.Indian news outlets reported that a “Chinese firm suspended civil operations and dismissed hundreds of employees at a hydropower facility in Pakistan” after the incident. Nonetheless, the internal memo from the Chinese construction firm effectively discredited the reports from the Indian media.In the aftermath of the attack, the Chinese diplomatic missions in Pakistan vehemently denounced the act of terrorism. “China and Pakistan possess the resolve and capability to make the terrorists accountable for their actions, and any efforts to disrupt Sino-Pak collaboration are doomed to fail,” stated Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry. This firm stance underscores the determination to protect China-Pakistan cooperation from sabotage.Moreover, Lin reaffirmed China’s position on terrorism: “Terrorism is a menace faced by all humanity, and combating terrorism and preventing such sorrowful events is a collective obligation of the international community.” He confirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism measures and pledged continuous backing for Pakistan’s economic progress, social advancement, and the enhancement of its citizens’ well-being. Lin further emphasized that China would persist in its robust cooperation across various domains with Pakistan, to the mutual benefit of both nations’ populations.
Additionally, on Thursday, Islamabad declared unequivocally that the suicide bombing in Besham was the work of those opposed to the Pakistan-China alliance. “We are committed to firmly addressing and overcoming such actions and the forces behind them,” FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated.Baloch also conveyed Islamabad’s unwavering resolve to collaborate with Beijing in safeguarding the well-being of Chinese citizens, as well as the security of projects and institutions within Pakistan.
