LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has confirmed that the terrorist attack on Chinese engineers in Besham on March 26, 2024, was orchestrated using Afghan territory. During a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi emphasized Pakistan’s strong ties with China, particularly through initiatives like the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and expressed deep concern over cross-border terrorism complicating regional security.
Naqvi detailed that the attack on the Chinese convoy was meticulously planned and executed from Afghanistan. Pakistan has raised the issue with Afghanistan’s Interim Government, urging them to control terrorist activities emanating from their soil. The government has bolstered border security and identified the elements aiming to destabilize Sino-Pak relations, specifically pointing to support for groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
In the aftermath of the attack, Pakistani law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough investigation, leading to the arrest of several suspects. The investigation revealed that the VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) attack was coordinated by TTP operatives in Afghanistan, under the directive of their leader Noor Wali Mehsud. The bomber, identified as Afghan national Muttaqi alias Taqi, carried out the attack.
A Joint Investigation Team (JIT) led by NACTA’s National Coordinator was formed, resulting in the apprehension of 11 key suspects: Adil Shehbaz, Shafiq Qureshi, Zahid Qureshi, Nazeer Hussain, Faizullah, Fasih Ullah, Imran Swati, Sakha Ullah, Abdullah, Abdul Rehman, and Kamal Khan. They are currently in police custody and will face trial in an anti-terrorism court. The government is also seeking the arrest of remaining suspects, including high-ranking TTP members based in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan government has requested the Interim Afghan Government to apprehend and extradite key TTP figures, including Bakhtiar Shah, Qari Asadullah, Khan Lala, Noor Wali Mehsud, and Azmatullah Mehsud. Naqvi underscored the importance of Afghanistan’s cooperation for regional peace and security.
Additionally, National Counter-Terrorism Authority Coordinator Muhammad Tahir Rai provided a detailed briefing on the investigation, confirming that the attack aimed to damage Pakistan-China relations. New security protocols have been implemented to protect Chinese nationals in Pakistan, highlighting the significance of China’s cooperation in strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to China underscores the importance of bilateral relations and ongoing efforts to enhance security measures. Meanwhile, intelligence operations continue to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent future attacks on foreign nationals within Pakistan.
