ISLAMABAD: China signed an agreement with Pakistan in Islamabad on Thursday to help repair and rebuild damaged government schools in the Bara division of Khyber Agency.
The Chinese authorities will provide $14 million under the agreement, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), which will be used to reconstruct 68 damaged schools to improve the education infrastructure in the area and enroll more students.
Khyber Agency is part of the former Federally Administered Tribal Area. Much of the infrastructure in the region was destroyed in recent years as the country battled a rising tide of violent extremism in its volatile northwestern territories. As Pakistan’s security forces fought militant groups of various ideologies, members of radical groups frequently targeted schools and other educational facilities, particularly girls’ schools.
With the security situation gradually improving across the country, the authorities are trying to address development issues in a region that was previously infested with militants, and prepare the inhabitants for more peaceful and secure lives.
The Chinese Ambassador to Islamabad Yao Jing applauded Islamabad’s efforts to accelerate economic growth and promised further support in the future to administrations in all parts of the country.
Beijing and Islamabad are already working on the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is considered one of the most significant projects being carried out under the “one belt and one road” Initiative.
China to provide $14M for rebuilding of damaged schools in tribal districts
China to provide $14M for rebuilding of damaged schools in tribal districts
- The agreement covers government schools in the Bara division of Khyber Agency
- The Chinese Ambassador to Islamabad, Yao Jing, promised future support to Pakistan in all areas
UN Security Council condemns Islamabad mosque bombing claimed by Daesh
- The Council urges accountability, calls for cooperation with Pakistan
- A suicide bomber targeted the mosque during prayers, killing 32 people
ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council said on Friday it condemned a suicide bombing at a mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad that killed at least 32 people, calling the attack “heinous and cowardly” and urging accountability for those responsible.
The blast targeted the Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque and imambargah in the Tarlai Kallan area during Friday prayers on Feb. 6, when mosques across the country were packed with worshippers. Daesh claimed responsibility, saying one of its militants detonated an explosive vest inside the congregation.
In a press statement issued by Council President James Kariuki of the United Kingdom, members of the 15-nation body expressed “deepest sympathy and condolences” to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan.
“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and cowardly suicide bombing terrorist attack,” the statement said, reaffirming that “terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.”
The Council underlined the need to hold “perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors” accountable and urged all states to cooperate actively with the Pakistan government in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Pakistan, which is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, has faced intense militant violence in recent years, including attacks claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Balochistan Liberation Army and Daesh affiliates.
The administration in Islamabad said the day after the attack that a police officer was killed and four suspects were arrested in overnight raids in the northwestern cities of Peshawar and Nowshera.
Among those detained was an Afghan national alleged to have worked for Daesh and to have masterminded the bombing, authorities said.
The Security Council reiterated that acts of such militant violence were criminal and unjustifiable regardless of motivation and reaffirmed the need for states to combat threats to international peace and security in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Earlier this week, Pakistani religious scholars also condemned the bombing at a meeting presided over by Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, saying the attack was contrary to Islamic teachings.
