.png)
According to a Reuters report on July 15, Pakistan said on Thursday that traces of explosives were found in the preliminary investigation of the shuttle bus explosion, and that it did not rule out that the cause of the incident was a terrorist attack.
According to reports, Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted on Thursday that “preliminary investigations...have confirmed traces of explosives. The possibility of terrorism cannot be ruled out.”
Chowdhury also added that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is personally monitoring all the progress of the matter, "In this regard, the government is closely coordinating with the Chinese Embassy, and we are committed to jointly combating the threat of terrorism."
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan issued a statement on the 14th, saying that at around 7 am (10:00 Beijing time) that day, the shuttle bus for the Khyber Pakhtunkhov Hydropower Station project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, which was constructed by a Chinese company, suffered an explosion on its way to the construction site. Twelve people, including 9 Chinese and 3 Pakistani personnel, died. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued a statement on the 14th that the shuttle bus exploded due to a gasoline leak caused by a mechanical failure, and then the vehicle fell into the river.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on the 15th that China was shocked by the serious casualties caused by the incident. The Chinese party and government attach great importance to it. The party and state leaders immediately issued important instructions to rescue the wounded, do a good job in the aftermath of the casualties, quickly investigate the situation, in-depth assessment of relevant safety risks, and do their utmost to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel . The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan activated the emergency response mechanism as soon as possible, maintained close contact with Pakistan in Beijing and Islamabad respectively, and fully carried out emergency response work. The Pakistani side has been asked to thoroughly investigate the incident as soon as possible, properly transfer and treat the wounded, and strengthen security. Measures to eliminate potential safety hazards and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan.
Zhao Lijian said that Pakistan expressed condolences and condolences to the casualties through different channels, and promised to do its utmost to rescue the wounded and carry out follow-up treatment to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan. On the evening of the 14th, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan and the Pakistani foreign secretary went to the hospital to visit the wounded and conveyed the concern and condolences of the leaders of the two countries. China will send an inter-departmental joint working group to Pakistan today (15th) to assist in the work.
Disclaimer: This article comes from the media and does not represent my views and positions.