Islamabad, In the aftermath of the recent terrorist attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) will be established to conduct a thorough investigation, as decided in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This announcement was made by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, during a news conference in Islamabad, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges and enhancing the protection of foreign nationals and critical installations in Pakistan.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting, which included federal ministers, Army Chief Syed Asim Munir, and provincial leaders, emphasized the necessity of a coordinated strategy to combat terrorism. Tarar outlined plans for a mechanism to ensure greater cooperation among relevant stakeholders, acknowledging the pivotal role of security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The formation of the JIT is part of a broader initiative to secure important installations and Chinese citizens in Pakistan, with the government vowing to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to eradicate terrorism. The meeting underscored the unity of the nation and its leaders in the face of such threats, reflecting a collective resolve to safeguard the country’s security interests.

In response to questions regarding the safety of Chinese nationals, Tarar reassured that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are in place, with ongoing efforts to identify and address any gaps in their implementation. He also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the provincial governments of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bolster security measures, including the advancement of the Gwadar safe city project and the establishment of a Counter Terrorism force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, modeled after Punjab’s CTD force.

The minister further addressed concerns about Afghanistan’s potential involvement in terror activities, reiterating Prime Minister Sharif’s stance on preventing the use of any soil for actions against Pakistan and the continued emphasis on peace and negotiation in the region.

This move to form a JIT reflects the government’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of its citizens and foreign nationals, while also reinforcing the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, amidst challenges to their longstanding partnership.