Pakistan is set to raise concerns with the Taliban government in Afghanistan regarding a possible Afghan connection to the recent suicide attack targeting Chinese engineers in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
Six people, including five Chinese engineers, were killed in a suicide bombing on March 26th in Besham.
The targeted convoy transported Chinese engineers working on the Dasu hydroelectric project.
This marks the second attack on Chinese personnel at the project site since July 2021.
While no group has claimed responsibility, initial investigations suggest a link to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) network. Authorities believe the attacker, a suspected Afghan national, used a smuggled car that spent time near the border and the attack site. Pakistanis familiar with the investigation are convinced of Afghan soil being used to facilitate the attack.
Pakistan will raise the issue with the Taliban government through diplomatic channels.
Based on the investigation, Pakistan plans to urge the Taliban to take action against those responsible.
To amplify pressure, Pakistan seeks Chinese cooperation in raising the issue with Kabul.
Islamabad is keeping Chinese authorities informed of the investigation’s progress.
Potential Impact:
-A confirmed Afghan connection could strain relations between China and the Taliban.
-China previously accepted a Taliban-appointed ambassador, demonstrating a willingness to engage.
-An attack with Afghan links could force China to re-evaluate its approach.
-Pakistan believes a collaborative effort is essential to effectively address the terrorist threat.
The situation highlights the complex security environment in the region and the challenges of tackling terrorism.
April 3, 2024
Source: The Express Tribune