Six individuals lost their lives tragically on Tuesday in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province when a vehicle packed with explosives collided with their bus, officials reported. Among the victims were five Chinese nationals employed on the Dasu hydropower project.
The incident took place in the Bisham area of Shangla district as a bus traveling from Islamabad to Kohistan was struck by a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, causing significant casualties and injuries, according to local police sources.
Confirming the incident, Senior Police Officer Muhammad Ali Gandapur stated that the preliminary investigation suggests it was a suicide attack. "Five Chinese nationals along with their Pakistani driver lost their lives in the attack," Gandapur conveyed to the media.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, leaving authorities to intensify efforts to uncover the perpetrators behind this heinous act.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi promptly visited the Chinese embassy to meet with Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, offering condolences and assurances of the Pakistani government's commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
President Asif Ali Zardari echoed strong condemnation of the attack, emphasizing the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, despite attempts by hostile forces to undermine it. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the Chinese victims and the Chinese government.
Law enforcement agencies swiftly responded to the scene, launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack while ensuring tight security measures and facilitating the retrieval of the deceased.
Shangla's proximity to Kohistan, where a similar terrorist attack claimed the lives of nine Chinese nationals in 2021, underscores the ongoing security challenges faced in the region.
With thousands of Chinese workers engaged in various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, enhancing security measures remains paramount to safeguarding both local and international personnel involved in these endeavors.
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