Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday assured the Chinese working on various projects in Pakistan to provide them high-level security so that they could carry out their work in a safe and peaceful environment. He was talking to Chinese Assistant Minister of MOFCOM Chen Jian, who called on him here.
The Prime Minister expressed condolence with him on the death of Chinese engineer in South Waziristan Agency.
The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution made by Chinese engineers working on the Gomal Zam dam and said it is an important economic project.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's commitment to fighting against terrorism. He said security forces had carried out successful operations against terrorists.
He affirmed the perennial vitality of Pakistan-China friendship and appreciated the valuable Chinese contribution to the economic development of Pakistan.
He expressed the hope that with the support of the Chinese government, the Chinese companies will continue to invest in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said there were several investment opportunities available in Pakistan. The infrastructure projects alone could absorb $ 2.5-3 billion per annum in Pakistan, he added.
He said the country had achieved macro-economic stability and Pakistan's credit rating has improved. The country had registered a growth rate of 6.4 percent last year and this year the economic performance is expected to be even better.
Chinese Assistant Minister Chen Jian said the government and the people of China regarded Pakistan as an all-weather friend.
The government and people of China were determined to carry forward time-tested friendship, he added.
Chen expressed concern over the hostage-taking episode and expressed the hope that security arrangements for other Chinese nationals working in Pakistan would be upgraded.
He said Pakistan-China economic collaboration was progressing smoothly. Chen said during his stay in Islamahad, he would discuss prospects of enhancing further economic and trade co-operation between Pakistan and China.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CHALKED OUT: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday said a comprehensive plan has been chalked out for the security of Chinese working across the country.
The security plan has been chalked out under instructions from President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, he said in a briefing to Chinese delegation led by Assistant Commerce Minister of China Chen Jian who called on him here in his office.
The minister said security arrangements, which were already in place, would also be revised and enhanced. He also assured the delegation no such incident would happen in future.
He said, as announced by the President earlier, the master-mind of the hostage crisis would not be spared and he would have to pay the price.
During a detailed briefing about the kidnapping of Chinese engineers working on Gomal Zam dam by terrorists, he said all possible and available sources were utilised to get the hostages released safely and amicably.
The minister informed the delegation that the operation was done as a last resort as some radio communications of terrorists and other people had been intercepted in which they were planning to move out of the area with hostages or after killing them.
He added in such operations accidents could happen adding: "We are deeply saddened that one of the hostages lost his life due to severe injuries."
The whole nation was grieved on the sad demise of our Chinese brother, he said. "We also condole with the deceased family and convey deep regrets to the whole of China," the minister added.
Chinese Minister Chen Jian thanked Aftab Sherpao for briefing. On behalf of Chinese Government he said, "We are fully satisfied and comfortable that Pakistan did utmost effort and care to get the hostages released."
He, however, said precautionary measures should be taken to avoid such events in future.
COMMUNICATIONS MINISTRY TAKES SAFETY MEASURES: The Communications Ministry has taken special measures for safety of Chinese working on different projects under the ministry, specially on Gwadar Port.
"China is an extremely reliable friend of Pakistan and terrorists can never shake this exemplary friendship," Communications Minister Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui said in a press statement issued here on Saturday.
He also expressed his profound grief over the death of a Chinese engineer during rescue operation.
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