Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Tuesday visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and expressed resolve to investigate the terrorist attack on Chinese nationals expeditiously and take the culprits to the task, Radio Pakistan.

During his visit to the embassy, he met Chinese Charge d’Affaires Ms Pang Chunxue. He also wrote a special message of condolence to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Prime Minister expressed sorrow and grief over the death of Chinese nationals in a van blast at Karachi University. He said the entire Pakistani nation is in shock and grief over the brutal attack on its Iron Brothers.

He said the people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the government, people and families of the victims.

Condemning the incident, Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s determination to eradicate all forms of terrorism and terrorists from its soil.

He directed Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah to reach Karachi on Wednesday. He said: “We will not sit idle until criminals are arrested and punished. Those who took the lives of Chinese nationals will be hanged.”

The Prime Minister said that make all arrangements will be made for repatriation of dead bodies and return of injured with honour and respect.

He also ordered to increase the security of Chinese nationals and organizations working in Pakistan. He said no stone will be left unturned to bring the culprits to justice.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also recorded his impressions in the condolence book at the embassy.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office strongly condemned the reprehensible terrorist attack in Karachi which claimed innocent lives, including those of Chinese nationals working at the Confucius Institute.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said the Government and people of Pakistan extend their deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims who lost their lives in the incident.

It said the law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident to apprehend the culprits and bring them to justice. Local authorities are also providing all possible assistance to the injured.

The Foreign Office said the cowardly incident is a direct attack on the Pakistan-China friendship and ongoing cooperation. It said Pakistan and China are close friends and iron brothers.

Pakistan attaches great importance to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan, the statement added.