3 Chinese nationals among 4 dead in suicide attack at Karachi University……By;Asghar Ali Mubarak. .Islamabad

3 Chinese nationals among 4 dead in suicide attack at Karachi University……By;Asghar Ali Mubarak. .Islamabad………….At least four people, including three Chinese nationals, were died while four others were injured in a suicide attack outside the University of Karachi’s (KU) Confucius Institute, officials said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the blast in a telephone call with the Sindh chief minister. The premier assured Shah of the Centre’s full help and cooperation in dealing with such incidents.Later in the day, the Foreign Office (FO) issued a statement condemning the “reprehensible terrorist attack”.

In a statement, FO spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said the government and the people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims.

“The law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice. Local authorities are also providing all possible assistance to the injured,” he said.

The FO spokesperson termed the incident a “direct attack on the Pakistan-China friendship and ongoing cooperation”.

Calling the two countries “close friends” and “iron brothers”, he said Pakistan attached great importance to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in the country. A spokesperson for the university confirmed that three of the victims were Chinese nationals. They were identified as Confucius Institute Director Huang Guiping, Ding Mupeng, Chen Sai and Khalid, the driver.The spokesperson also identified two of the injured as Wang Yuqing and Hamid. Television footage showed a white van in flames with plumes of smoke rising from its remains while the windows of nearby buildings were shattered. The van appeared to be turning towards the Confucius Institute, located next to the commerce department, when the incident took place. A handout from the CM’s office quoted the officer as saying that the blast took place at approximately 2:30pm.The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, the Sindh chief minister paid a visit to the Chinese Consulate where he briefed Consul General Li Bijian about the blast.Shah expressed grief over the death of the Chinese nationals, a statement issued by the CM’s office said. The chief minister also assured the Chinese official that the incident would be fully investigated, the statement added.”Those involved in the incident will be brought to justice. We value the services rendered by Chinese experts in the country and the province,” Shah said.”Some elements do not like the partnership between the two countries,” he said, adding that the miscreants behind the incident would be dealt with an iron hand.According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz called Shah to collect information about the “terrorist incident”.The prime minister also issued a statement on Twitter, saying that he was “deeply grieved” over the loss of precious lives and termed it a “heinous attack”.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families. I strongly condemn this cowardly act of terrorism. The perpetrators will surely be brought to justice,” he said.Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also condemned the attack and prayed for the lives lost. “Sindh police will soon get to the bottom of the incident,” he said, adding that the perpetrators would be punished.He called for steps to be taken to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.
“The prime minister said that terrorists are [the] enemies of Pakistan. He vowed to eliminate the remainder of terrorists through collective efforts and unity. He directed for the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured,” the PMO said. More over the Prime Minister of Pakistan , Shahbaz Sharif visited Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and expressed resolve to investigate the terrorist attack on Chinese nationals expeditiously and take the culprits to the task.
During his visit to the embassy, he met Chinese Charge d’Affaires Ms Pang Chunxue. He also wrote a special message of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Prime Minister expressed sorrow and grief over the death of Chinese nationals in a van blast at Karachi University. He said the entire Pakistani nation is in shock and grief over the brutal attack on its Iron Brothers.
He said the people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the government, people and families of the victims.
Condemning the incident, Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s determination to eradicate all forms of terrorism and terrorists from its soil. He said we will not sit idle until criminals are arrested and punished. He said those who took the lives of Chinese nationals will be hanged.
The Prime Minister said that make all arrangements will be made for repatriation of dead bodies and return of injured with honour and respect.
He also ordered to increase the security of Chinese nationals and organizations working in Pakistan. He said no stone will be left unturned to bring the culprits to justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also recorded his impressions in the condolence book at the embassy..