Pakistan has expressed “its deepest condolences and strong solidarity with the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, as well as with the Government and people of Tajikistan,” following the killing of Chinese nationals in a “heinous terrorist attack” in Tajikistan near the Afghan border.
In an official statement the Foreign Office of Pakistan said “unequivocally condemns this cowardly attack on Chinese nationals,” calling it a stark reminder of the growing regional security threat emanating from Afghanistan under Taliban regime.
It further noted that “the use of armed drones in the incident underlines the gravity of threat emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those behind it.”
Pakistan has repeatedly suffered from cross broader terrorist activities from past few decades. Therefore, the statement stated that, “as a neighbour that has repeatedly suffered terrorist attacks orchestrated from Afghan soil, the people of Pakistan fully understand and share the grief and anguish of our Chinese friends and Tajik partners.”
Islamabad reiterated its long-standing position at bilateral and international forums that “Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against its neighbours or any other country.”
It warned that “the repeated use of Afghan soil by terrorist elements and their continued presence under the patronage of Afghan Taliban regime, is a matter of serious concern for the entire region and the wider international community.”
The Foreign Office strongly stressed that “concrete and verifiable action against the perpetrators, abettors, facilitators and financiers of terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil is the only way to address this growing menace.”
Concluding the statement, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to regional security and peace saying it “will continue to work closely with China, Tajikistan and other regional partners to promote peace, stability and security in our shared neighbourhood.”
