Pakistan has strongly condemned the killing of Chinese nationals in a terrorist attack in Tajikistan, offering condolences to both Beijing and Dushanbe over the deadly incident near the Afghan border.
The condemnation came hours after three Chinese workers were killed when armed militants launched a drone and firearm attack from inside Afghanistan, targeting employees of a Chinese company in southern Tajikistan, according to the Tajik foreign ministry.
In a statement, Pakistanâs Foreign Office called the assault a âheinous terrorist attackâ and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives. Islamabad extended âdeepest condolences and strong solidarityâ to the governments and people of China and Tajikistan.
The FO noted that the use of armed drones underscored the âgravity of the threat emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those behind it.â It added that Pakistan has long suffered similar cross-border attacks and fully understands the grief of both affected nations.
Reiterating its concerns, Islamabad warned that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against neighbouring countries. It said the continued presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan under the âpatronage of the Afghan Taliban regimeâ poses a serious threat to regional stability.
The statement stressed that only âconcrete and verifiable actionâ against terrorists, their facilitators and financiers operating from Afghan soil can curb the menace. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to working with China, Tajikistan and regional partners for peace and stability.
Tajikistan, which has tense relations with the Taliban, has seen several border clashes in recent months. While Dushanbe did not name those responsible for the attack, it said âcriminal groupsâ based in Afghanistan continue attempts to destabilise the border region.
Chinese companies, especially in mining and resource extraction, operate extensively in Tajikistanâs mountainous border areas. Last year, a similar attack near the Afghan border killed one Chinese worker.
