Inimical foreign elements behind attack on Chinese consulate: Fawad

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said inimical foreign elements are behind Friday’s terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi.

He was addressing an event in Islamabad on Monday held in connection with collecting of donations for two policemen were martyred while foiling the attack on the Chinese consulate.

“These forces cannot sabotage Pakistan-China relations. Our ties are deep-rooted and time-tested,” Chaudhry said.

He said the recent visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China has further strengthened these relations in different spheres including economy and defence.

“This close collaboration is [annoying] certain forces which is why they are resorting to such cowardly acts,” said the info minister.

He recounted the sacrifices rendered by the security forces and the people of Pakistan in the war against terrorism, and said Pakistan has proved to be steadfast in the war against terrorism.

Chaudhry lauded the Chinese people’s initiative to collect donations for the martyrs of the Chinese consulate attack, saying it was proof of the strong ties between the neighbours.

Addressing the event, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy Zhao Lijian said the Chinese community in Pakistan including businessmen and students, as well as those living in other countries, are contributing to the donations to show their respect and love for those who offered the ultimate sacrifice in defending the Chinese consulate and its staff.

He said similar events to collect donations will also be organised in other cities including Beijing.

The envoy added that those trying to sabotage Pak-China relations through such attacks will never succeed in their designs.

Security forces on Friday foiled an attack on the Chinese consulate located in Karachi’s upscale Clifton, killing all three terrorists and seizing at least nine hand grenades, Kalashnikov bullets, magazines and explosives.

Two policemen, ASI Ashraf Dawood and Constable Amir, were martyred in the operation to foil the attack. Two civilians, a father and a son who had come from Quetta for visas, were also killed, police said after reviewing initial information. A security guard was critically injured.