Latest news with #JiangZaidong
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
UN Security Council condemns Khuzdar school bus attack
Listen to article The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least seven Pakistanis, including five schoolchildren. At least 52 others, including 38 children, were injured in the attack. In response to the attack, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police have stepped up security at schools across the province. The Department of Education has been formally alerted, with a directive issued to District Education Officers to enhance safety measures at all educational institutions. In a press statement, the Security Council expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Pakistani government and people. The Council also wished a speedy recovery for those injured. The Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all forms poses a severe threat to international peace and security. It called for the accountability of the perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of such attacks, urging states to cooperate with Pakistan in bringing the responsible parties to justice. The statement reiterated that terrorism is unjustifiable, regardless of the motive, and emphasised the need for all countries to combat terrorism through all available means, under international law. Read more: K-P tightens school security after Khuzdar attack The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also condemned the terrorist attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, calling it a violation of basic human rights and international law. HRCP strongly condemns the heinous attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan, which has reportedly killed several children and left dozens injured. The deliberate targeting of schoolchildren—innocent noncombatants in every sense—is a red line that must never be crossed. This… — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 21, 2025 The HRCP stressed the need for the state to address issues in Balochistan through political dialogue and lawful measures rather than violent responses, while urging the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack. International reactions included strong condemnations from the United States and China. The US Embassy in Islamabad expressed sorrow over the murder of innocent children, emphasising that no child should fear going to school. We join Pakistan's leaders in condemning the brutal, unconscionable attack on a school bus in Khuzdar, Balochistan. The murder of innocent children is beyond comprehension. We grieve with the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts are with those recovering. No child… — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) May 21, 2025 Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also condemned the attack and reiterated China's support for Pakistan in countering terrorism and ensuring social stability. Khuzdar School Bus Attack The suspected bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the school bus as it drove past Zero Point near Rakhshan Hotel, Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti said, adding that the bus was ferrying students to the Army Public School situated within the Khuzdar cantonment. The vehicle was rigged with more than 30 kilograms of explosives, according to the Bomb Disposal Squad. Read more: PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow to end India-backed terrorism after Khuzdar attack The military's media wing stated that 'three innocent children and two adults have embraced Shahadat' and multiple children have sustained injuries in the 'cowardly and ghastly attack planned and orchestrated by the terrorist state of India and executed by its proxies in Balochistan. The ISPR added that India has unleashed its proxies to spread terror and unrest in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa through such heinous and cowardly acts after miserably failing on the battlefield. Soon after the deadly attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Security was tightened in and around Khuzdar following the bombing, with checkpoints established and patrols intensified to prevent further attacks.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Chinese envoy celebrates 74 years of China-Pakistan ties and future cooperation
Listen to article Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong delivered a speech at the Silk Road Culture Center in Islamabad on Wednesday to mark the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported the development of the longstanding China-Pakistan friendship. He recalled that diplomatic ties were formally established on May 21, 1951, marking a new era in the millennia-old exchanges between the two peoples. Over the past seven decades, he emphasised, the relationship has flourished under the leadership of successive generations and the enduring support of both nations' peoples. Highlighting the exceptional trust between China and Pakistan, the ambassador pointed to the close high-level interactions that have taken place in recent months, including reciprocal visits by the prime ministers and President Zardari's successful visit to China. He noted that the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders has injected new momentum into the all-weather strategic cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese envoy reaffirmed China's unwavering support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development path, as well as its efforts to combat terrorism and maintain unity and stability. He praised Pakistan's consistent adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support on China's core interests. He also cited instances of solidarity and mutual assistance during challenges such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the China-Pakistan friendship as 'unbreakable' and 'iron-clad,' capable of withstanding global uncertainties. The ambassador highlighted the Silk Road Culture Center itself as a symbol of the 'Silk Road Spirit,' characterised by peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit. He underlined the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as practical embodiments of this spirit. Ambassador Jiang noted China's role as Pakistan's largest trading partner for ten consecutive years, as well as the extensive development under CPEC, including milestones such as the opening of the Gwadar New International Airport and year-round access through the Khunjerab Pass. Looking ahead, the ambassador detailed plans to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation aligned with Pakistan's 5Es framework. These included expanding agricultural and industrial collaboration, developing mining and new energy sectors, fostering B2B and cross-border e-commerce growth, implementing livelihood projects, and ensuring that bilateral cooperation yields tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries. Ambassador Jiang also emphasised the importance of cultural exchange in the bilateral relationship, spotlighting the event's theme 'Tea for Harmony.' He elaborated on tea as a symbol of inclusiveness, humility, equality, and empathy, linking it to China's diplomatic goals of peace, stability, and harmony amid global geopolitical challenges. Addressing contemporary global issues, the ambassador noted the accelerated transformations and conflicts confronting the world, including the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism. He stressed the coordinated efforts of China and Pakistan within multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, alongside Pakistan's active support for China's proposals like the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He reaffirmed the commitment of China and Pakistan to deepen their high-level interactions, promote mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations, and advance a multipolar, equitable world order as well as inclusive economic globalisation. He called for the two countries to stand shoulder to shoulder and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the new era. 'May the friendship between China and Pakistan last forever. May our two nations thrive in prosperity and flourishing,' he concluded, extending best wishes for health and happiness to all present. The event was attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, alongside distinguished guests, diplomats, and members of the public.
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Islamabad, Beijing discuss bolstering ‘collective response mechanisms' after India-Pakistan fighting
KARACHI: Beijing's ambassador to Islamabad met the Pakistani air chief on Tuesday evening, with the two leaders vowing to 'bolster collective response mechanisms to emerging threats,' the Pakistan army said in a statement, a little over a week after Islamabad's worst military standoff with New Delhi in decades gave Chinese weapons a rare battle test. The most striking claim from four days of fighting earlier this month was the contention of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) that its Chinese-supplied jets had shot down six Indian aircraft — including three French-made Rafale fighters — with some observers seeing this as a symbol of Beijing's rising military might. Pakistan accounts for around 63 percent of China's arms exports, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). In the recent fighting with India, Pakistan used the J10-C Vigorous Dragon and JF-17 Thunder planes, armed with air-to-air missiles. It was the first time the J10-C has been used in active combat. Islamabad's air defenses also used Chinese kit — including the HQ-9P long-range surface-to-air missile system — and deployed Chinese radar as well as armed and reconnaissance drones. On Tuesday evening, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, and engaged in a 'comprehensive and in-depth discussion on a range of matters including corporate-level engagements, defense cooperation and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region.' 'They underscored the importance of cohesive & collaborative approaches in responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining peak operational readiness and swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics,' the Pakistan army said in a statement released after the meeting. Sidhu commended China's role in assisting Pakistan's defense modernization and technological advancement. 'Both the dignitaries reaffirmed their pledge to institutionalize regular high-level exchanges through expanded joint operational exercises and exploration of multilateral frameworks that bolster collective response mechanisms to emerging threats,' the Pakistan army said. The statement said the Chinese ambassador lauded the 'unmatched operational excellence' demonstrated by PAF personnel during the recent standoff with India, terming it a reflection of PAF's 'high standards and unwavering commitment to national defense.' 'He praised Pakistan Air Force for its exemplary professionalism and commendable utilization of Chinese-origin equipment & technology to thwart enemy aggression,' the Pakistan army said. 'The dignitary also acknowledged PAF's operational effectiveness and strategic acumen in employing indigenous solutions and advanced systems to safeguard national interests and deter potential threats under the current leadership.' The ambassador assured 'full technical assistance' to PAF to bolster its aerial defense capabilities, adding that continued focus on homegrown technological development would further elevate the country's defense capabilities. Nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India halted their worst fighting in nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10, following diplomacy and pressure from the United States. On Tuesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi sad Beijing welcomed and supported efforts by Pakistan and India to handle their differences through dialogue and to achieve a 'comprehensive and lasting' ceasefire. With inputs from AFP and Reuters
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Chinese envoy lauds operational excellence of Pakistan Air Force
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has lauded the operational excellence of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), particularly during the recent standoff on the eastern front. He praised PAF's effective deployment of Chinese-origin equipment and advanced technology in safeguarding national defence, terming it a reflection of the force's professionalism, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to the country's sovereignty. The remarks were made during a high-level meeting with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The two dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive discussion covering bilateral defence cooperation, corporate-level engagements, and the evolving geo-strategic environment in the region. During the meeting, the Chinese envoy commended the Pakistan Air Force's remarkable performance and its growing reliance on indigenous solutions to counter emerging threats. He acknowledged the strides made by PAF under its current leadership in achieving technological advancement and operational effectiveness. Ambassador Jiang reiterated China's enduring support and assured full technical assistance to further strengthen Pakistan's aerial defence capabilities. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu welcomed the ambassador and emphasised the historic and time-tested ties between Pakistan and China, rooted in mutual trust and strategic convergence. He described the relationship as 'Iron Brothers' relations,' stating that the bond has only grown stronger over time and will continue to deepen through enhanced cooperation and innovation. The Air Chief also expressed gratitude for China's consistent support in defence modernisation, particularly in areas such as human resource development, technology transfer, and joint research and development. He underscored the importance of institutionalising regular high-level exchanges, expanding joint operational exercises, and exploring multilateral frameworks to strengthen collective response mechanisms to regional security challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region through continued strategic partnership and defence collaboration. The meeting stood as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to deepen their partnership and work together in navigating emerging security challenges through unity and innovation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Chinese envoy lauds operational excellence of PAF
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has lauded the operational excellence of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), particularly during the recent standoff on the eastern front. He praised PAF's effective deployment of Chinese-origin equipment and advanced technology in safeguarding national defence, terming it a reflection of the force's professionalism, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to the country's sovereignty. The remarks were made during a high-level meeting with Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The two dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive discussion covering bilateral defence cooperation, corporate-level engagements, and the evolving geo-strategic environment in the region. During the meeting, the Chinese envoy commended the Pakistan Air Force's remarkable performance and its growing reliance on indigenous solutions to counter emerging threats. He acknowledged the strides made by PAF under its current leadership in achieving technological advancement and operational effectiveness. Ambassador Jiang reiterated China's enduring support and assured full technical assistance to further strengthen Pakistan's aerial defence capabilities. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu welcomed the ambassador and emphasised the historic and time-tested ties between Pakistan and China, rooted in mutual trust and strategic convergence. He described the relationship as 'Iron Brothers' relations,' stating that the bond has only grown stronger over time and will continue to deepen through enhanced cooperation and innovation. The Air Chief also expressed gratitude for China's consistent support in defence modernisation, particularly in areas such as human resource development, technology transfer, and joint research and development. He underscored the importance of institutionalising regular high-level exchanges, expanding joint operational exercises, and exploring multilateral frameworks to strengthen collective response mechanisms to regional security challenges. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region through continued strategic partnership and defence collaboration. The meeting stood as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to deepen their partnership and work together in navigating emerging security challenges through unity and innovation. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
