ISLAMABAD: Pakistan vowed to pursue the masterminds behind a suicide attack that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers earlier this year while reaffirming its commitment to the regional connectivity initiative launched by President Xi Jinping’s administration during Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s three-day visit to Beijing.
According to a statement issued by the foreign office of Pakistan on Thursday, Dar, who is also the foreign minister, began his trip to China on May 13 where he co-chaired the Fifth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with his counterpart Wang Yi before concluding his visit.
During his stay in Beijing, the two sides discussed multiple global and regional challenges, including the second phase of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The foreign office said both countries condemned the March 26 suicide attack on the Chinese workers who were on their way to the Dasu Hydropower Project in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“In keeping with its ironclad friendship with China, the Pakistani side would hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice, take more effective security measures, and make all-out efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” the statement said while providing details of the discussions between both countries.
Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Sharif, said last week the attack was planned in “terrorist sanctuaries” in neighboring Afghanistan while addressing a news conference.
His assertion came amid accusations from officials in Islamabad that the administration in Kabul was not doing enough to prevent groups like banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from launching cross-border attacks.
“The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude, and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism and security through a comprehensive approach,” the foreign office continued.
Pakistan also agreed to work with China to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and forge an upgraded CPEC version by jointly building growth, livelihood, innovation and green corridors and aligning them with Pakistan’s development framework and priorities.
“The two sides agreed to accelerate progress on major connectivity projects including upgradation of ML-1 [railway infrastructure], the Gwadar Port, realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industrial parks, mining, information technology and other fields according to local conditions, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development,” the foreign office informed.
“The two sides believe that the Khunjerab pass plays an important role in promoting bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges, and agreed to speed up efforts to make sure that the Khunjerab Pass can function all year round,” it continued.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen communication and coordination over issues related to Afghanistan, calling for concerted efforts of the international community to help deal with the humanitarian situation in that country.
They agreed to play a positive and constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community.
Additionally, Pakistan and China expressed satisfaction at their expanding space cooperation and agreed to further build on it for a peaceful and mutually-beneficial exploration of space.
Earlier this month, Pakistan sent an imaging device in outer space as part of China’s Chang’e-6 lunar mission.

Cruise Saudi, a 100 percent Public Investment Fund owned business, responsible for the creation and development of the cruise industry in the Kingdom, has announced the commercial launch of its owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises, with trips now available to purchase via its website.

As the first Arabian cruise line, AROYA Cruises is leading the way offering remarkably Arabian experiences for guests at sea and onshore. Pioneering in its design, AROYA Cruises reflects Arabian generosity and Saudi Arabia’s famous “hafawa” (hospitality), providing a unique experience with passenger comfort at its heart.

With the ability to accommodate 3,362 passengers, AROYA Cruises is a floating resort, 335 meters in length, with 1,678 cabins, including stunning balcony and sea view cabins, suites, and villas. The entertainment concept has been curated to offer activities for all passenger groups. The ship has 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks that will allow passengers to indulge in an array of experiences, including shopping in the Souq AROYA retail area, and enjoy performances in the 1,018-seater AROYA Theater, which will captivate guests with headline entertainment, movies, and dedicated shows for children. Families can connect in the Atrium Area, which will host “Gathering Hubs” and “Variety Acts,” and enjoy the 1,858-square-meter “kids zone,” with a splash area equipped with water slides.

For those looking to relax and unwind whilst onboard, the “Blossom by AROYA” spa will have all passenger wellness needs covered. With a focus on immersion of the five senses — sound, sight, taste, aroma and touch — the facilities include a thermal suite, snow room, relaxation room, and treatment room, as well as a beauty clinic, beauty salon, men’s barbers and gym.

With five complimentary restaurants, 11 specialty restaurants, and 12 cafés and lounges, Aroya offers a wide variety of F&B options from across the globe, spanning Lebanese, Italian and Asian. Amongst these dining outlets is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, featuring traditional Arabian dining.

Dr. Joerg Rudolph, president of AROYA Cruises, said: “The launch of our cruise line to commercial markets is an important milestone for both AROYA Cruises, and for the tourism landscape in Saudi. We are thrilled that the public can now book sailings with us as we strive to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia. We have been steadfast in our mission to create a ‘Remarkably Arabian’ cruise line offering for guests at sea and onshore, commercially and sustainably, and we look forward to sharing this with our passengers.”

For an elevated offering, the AROYA VIP package provides exclusive designated areas for a premium experience. With spacious and unique accommodation, outdoor lounges and exceptional dining, the AROYA exclusive experience provides the very best amenities and services for guests.

With inaugural sailings scheduled in the Red Sea for December 2024, itineraries will include time at the Cruise Saudi-owned private island, as well as visits to major destinations along the Red Sea, including Egypt and Jordan.

Cabins fares start from SR558 ($150) per person, per night.