ISLAMABAD: A team of 15 Chinese investigators, accompanied by Pakistani officials, have launched a probe into a bus attack in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province earlier this week, Pakistan’s foreign ministry said on Sunday.
The blast in Dasu on Wednesday killed 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals, when their bus, which was shuttling them to an under-construction dam site in the area, came under attack.
“The Chinese side was briefed regarding the progress in the ongoing investigation indicating the possibility of sabotage and about the care being provided to the injured,” the foreign ministry statement said.
The delegation from Beijing comprises representatives from the Chinese Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce and criminal investigation and technical experts.
Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan’s Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that the government had reassured Beijing of providing “foolproof security” to its nationals involved in various infrastructure projects under the prestigious $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
The assurances were formally communicated to Beijing during a lengthy phone call between Sheikh Rasheed and his Chinese counterpart, Zhao Kezhi.
Sheikh Rasheed added that the bus incident was orchestrated ahead of the China-Pakistan Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting that was canceled by Beijing after the blast “for maximum impact.”
Investigators from China join Pakistan bus blast probe that killed 9 Chinese
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Investigators from China join Pakistan bus blast probe that killed 9 Chinese
- Nine Chinese workers were among 13 killed in the attack earlier this week
- Pakistan reassures ‘foolproof security’ to Chinese nationals in the country
Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament
- Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
- He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.
“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”
His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.
The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.
“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.
“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.
The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
