Chinese consulate staff safe in Karachi attack: FM Qureshi
It was a cowardly attempt by terrorists, the foreign minister said
November 23, 2018
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said all staff members of the Chinese consulate in Karachi remained safe in Friday's attack.
He 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 situation is under control and the area has been cleared," Qureshi said, adding that the perpetrators will be taken to their logical conclusion.
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.
Two policemen were martyred and a security guard injured in an attack outside the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton Block-4 on Friday morning.
Three suspected suicide bombers were killed before they were able to enter the facility as forces successfully foiled the attack, Karachi Police Chief Dr Amir Shaikh told reporters. "There were three attackers and all three have been killed... They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the Karachi police chief said while speaking to the media outside the consulate.
Suicide jackets and weapons were recovered from the possession of the terrorists, police said.
FO condemns attack on Chinese consulate
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 safe, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal tweeted shortly after the attack.
