Pakistan train hijack: China to strengthen security cooperation with Pak

A concerned China on Wednesday condemned the hijacking of a passenger train by militants in Pakistans Balochistan province and expressed readiness to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with IslamabadWe noted the reports and strongly condemn this terrorist attack Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here while replying to a question on the train hijacking by the Balochistan Liberation Army BLAMao said China firmly opposes terrorism in any formThe Jaffar Express carrying some 400 passengers in nine coaches was going from Quetta to Peshawar when militants derailed it using explosives and hijacked itSecurity forces rescued 190 passengers killing 30 militants as they continued to battle insurgents for a second day WednesdayWe will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism maintaining solidarity and social stability and protecting the safety of the people Mao saidChina stands ready to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation with Pakistan and jointly keep the region peaceful secure and stable she saidThe hijacking of the train the biggest attack carried out by Baloch militants is viewed with serious concern here as Beijing has been highlighting its apprehensions to Pakistan over the safety of hundreds of Chinese personnel working on the USD 60 billion ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPECBesides fighting for the independence of Balochistan BLA has also carried out numerous attacks on Chinese personnel working in the projects being carried out under the CPEC connecting Balochistan with Chinas Xinjiang provinceBLA alleges exploitation of the rich natural resources of Balochistan by Pakistan and ChinaChina has been pressing Pakistan to step up security to protect its nationalsLast month China and Pakistan agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and security cooperation to deal with recurring militant attacks against Chinese personnel working on the CPEC projects during President Asif Ali Zardaris visit to BeijingPakistans Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi who accompanied Zardari held talks with his Chinese counterpart Qi Yanjun on dealing with the BLA as well as hardline Islamic militant groups which were opposed to the CPECDue to recurring attacks China has been pressing Pakistan to allow its armed forces to provide security to themAccording to reports Pakistan was reticent about acceding to Chinas proposal apprehending political backlash back home to permit Chinese security personnel to operate from its soilThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever