Karachi, In a strong show of solidarity and resilience, Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent figure in Pakistan's business community, has condemned the recent terrorist attack in the Bisham area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the tragic loss of five Chinese engineers and one Pakistani citizen. This incident has been described as an attempt to undermine the deep-rooted partnership between Pakistan and its most significant ally, China—a notion firmly rejected by the business community.
According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Hussain highlighted the critical impact of such attacks on Pakistan's economy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding foreign experts working within the country. The loss of lives and the potential threat to ongoing and future international collaborations demand immediate and decisive action to ensure the security and stability of the nation's economic landscape.
The attack, which also left several people injured, is not an isolated incident. It follows a similar tragedy in 2021, where 13 individuals lost their lives, causing a temporary halt to the construction of a local dam. The recurrence of such violence, particularly targeting Chinese professionals involved in significant infrastructure projects, raises concerns about security measures and the broader implications for Pakistan's economic development and foreign investment climate.
Hussain articulated concerns over the potential involvement of hostile nations in these attacks, underscoring the broader geopolitical tensions surrounding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other joint ventures that symbolize the strong bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China. Such projects, critical for Pakistan's economic revitalization and regional connectivity, have faced opposition from entities looking to destabilize the country and disrupt its path to political and economic stability.
In response to these challenges, Hussain calls for a fortified security framework for Chinese nationals and a swift legal process for terrorism-related cases. The suggestion of public executions for those found guilty of terrorism underscores the severity of the situation and the need for a robust strategy to dismantle terror networks, including their sleeper cells and international sanctuaries.
This firm stance from the business community reflects a broader consensus on the importance of preserving and strengthening Pakistan's economic partnerships, particularly with China. It also highlights the urgency of addressing security vulnerabilities to protect the country's economic interests and the lives of those contributing to its development.