WATCH | Video Captures Suicide Bombing In Pakistan: 5 Chinese Nationals Killed

A dashcam footage capturing the moment of the suicide attack in Pakistan's Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on March 26, resulting in the death of five Chinese nationals and their driver, has surfaced.

The video clip depicts a bus travelling along a street in Bisham when the bomb detonates, enveloping the area in smoke. It was recorded by a vehicle situated behind the bus.

In a suicide bombing incident in Shangla District's Bisham, six people, including five Chinese engineers working on the Dasu dam project, lost their lives when the bus they were traveling in was struck by the bomber. The attack occurred on the Karakoram Highway while the bus was en route from Islamabad to Kohistan, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Bisham Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Juma Rehman informed Pakistan-based Dawn News that the bus was hit by an explosive-laden vehicle approaching from Kohistan, resulting in it catching fire and plunging into a ravine. Body parts of the suspected suicide bomber were also recovered from the site.

Pakistan's close regional alliance with Beijing has led to substantial investment from China in recent years, although ensuring the safety of Chinese migrant workers has presented challenges for Pakistan. In response to the attack, a visit to the Chinese embassy in Pakistan was made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet members, where promises were made to investigate the bombing, as per Hindustan Times report.

A high-level meeting, chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, was also held. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar, as reported by Dawn News, stated that the meeting emphasized the need for a "unified policy" against terrorism in Pakistan and conveyed a message of unity to the nation.

Tarar further announced the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT), emphasizing the resolve to eradicate terrorism and ensure the protection of Chinese friends, sensitive installations, and Pakistani citizens. Security measures were tightened in Bisham, particularly around foreign projects involving China.

Response to the attack

A statement was issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the attack, stating, "This heinous act of terrorism is strongly condemned by the Government of Pakistan. All necessary measures will be taken to bring the terrorists and their facilitators to justice, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The resolve of the Pakistani nation to fight against the scourge of terrorism cannot be diminished by such dastardly acts. Today's attack was orchestrated by the enemies of Pakistan-China friendship. Resolute action will be taken against all such forces, and they will be defeated.

The people and Government of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Chinese friends in this difficult time and extend sincere condolences to the families of the Chinese nationals killed in the attack." It was further added, "Pakistan and China are close friends and iron brothers. The paramount importance of the life and safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is emphasized. Pakistan will continue to work with our Chinese brothers in ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan," as per media reports.

The attack was strongly condemned by the United Nations Security Council, stating that terrorism in all its forms poses one of the most serious threats to international peace. A press release from the UNSC mentioned, "Deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Governments of Pakistan and China were expressed by the members of the Security Council, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

The need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice was underlined by the members of the Security Council. Active cooperation with the Governments of Pakistan and China, as well as all other relevant authorities, was urged by the Security Council in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions."