China has called for a comprehensive inquiry following a tragic incident in Besham city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district, where five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani citizen lost their lives in a convoy attack, as per media reports.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has urged for a thorough investigation into the assault. In an official statement, the Embassy stated, "The Chinese Embassy and consulates in Pakistan have swiftly initiated emergency procedures, urging Pakistani authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attack, bring the perpetrators to justice, and implement tangible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens."
Confirming the casualties, including five Chinese engineers and one Pakistani, the Besham Station House Officer (SHO) described the incident as a "suicide blast," with ongoing efforts to gather evidence.
Security measures have been heightened at the scene, with arrangements underway to transfer the deceased to a medical facility, as stated by the SHO. He affirmed, "We will thoroughly probe the origin and circumstances surrounding the suicide bomber's vehicle and the ensuing events."
Following the explosion, a rescue official recounted that the vehicle carrying the Chinese passengers plunged into a gorge and ignited, further exacerbating the tragedy.
This unfortunate incident echoes a similar occurrence in July 2021 when 13 individuals, including nine Chinese nationals, lost their lives in a coach accident near the 4,300 MW Dasu hydropower project site in upper Kohistan, following an explosion.
Read also | Tragic Loss: 5 Chinese Nationals Among 6 Victims in Northwest Pakistan Suicide Attack
