Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong on Monday that he would personally oversee the investigation into a militant attack on a Chinese convoy in Karachi, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals.

The attack occurred near Karachi’s airport late Sunday night, claiming the lives of three individuals and injuring 10 others, according to Pakistani officials and the Chinese embassy. A banned terrorist organisation took responsibility for the attack.

China is a significant ally and investor in Pakistan, with commitments exceeding $65 billion for various road, infrastructure, and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at connecting China to the Arabian Sea and modernising Pakistan’s economy.

Following the attack, PM Shehbaz visited the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to express his condolences to Ambassador Jiang over the loss of the two Chinese citizens, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign nationals in the country.

He has pledged to personally oversee the investigation into the recent attack that claimed the lives of two Chinese nationals. Expressing his deep sorrow over the loss of life, Sharif stated, “After identifying those responsible for this incident, they will be brought to justice.”

He emphasised that his government has mobilised all available resources to uncover the perpetrators of this “act of terrorism,” reiterating that the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is a “top priority.”

The premier also assured the Chinese ambassador of enhanced security measures for Chinese workers in Pakistan. The ambassador expressed confidence in the Pakistani government’s ability to conduct an “effective investigation,” swiftly identify the terrorists involved, and ensure their prompt punishment.

Ambassador Jiang was quoted as saying, “We hope that those responsible for the incident will receive appropriate punishment as soon as possible,” reflecting the Chinese government’s expectations for accountability.

A convoy belonging to the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted on Sunday evening, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuring one, according to the Chinese embassy. In the aftermath of the incident, the embassy confirmed that Chinese officials are collaborating with Pakistani authorities.

The Chinese embassy issued a statement urging Chinese citizens, businesses, and projects in Pakistan to remain vigilant, closely monitor the security situation, enhance safety measures, and take all necessary precautions.

On Monday, the Pakistani foreign office condemned the attack, asserting that the nation’s security and law enforcement agencies would make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators and their accomplices. “This barbaric act will not go unpunished,” the statement said.