Pahalgam terror attack: China calls for swift and fair investigation

Beijing: China has urged a "swift and fair investigation" into the Pahalgam terror attack while reaffirming its support for Pakistan, its close ally, in protecting its sovereignty and security amidst escalating tensions with India.

According to state-run Xinhua news agency, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a telephonic discussion on Sunday with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Dar briefed Wang – also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee – on the latest tensions between Pakistan and India "following a terrorist attack in the Kashmir region", it said in the report.

For his part, Wang said China was closely following the developments, stressing that combating terrorism was a shared responsibility of the entire world while reaffirming Beijing's consistent support for Pakistan's firm counterterrorism efforts, it added.

"As an ironclad friend and an all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests," the report quoted Wang as saying.

"China advocates for a swift and fair investigation and believes that conflict does not serve the fundamental interests of either India or Pakistan, nor does it benefit regional peace and stability," Wang noted.

China expressed its hope that both parties would exercise restraint, engage constructively, and cooperate to reduce tensions in the region, Wang added. Dar reinforced Pakistan's steadfast stance against terrorism, emphasising its consistent efforts to counter the threat while opposing any measures that could exacerbate the situation, the report stated.

Dar stated that Pakistan remains dedicated to handling the situation responsibly and will continue engaging with China and the international community, according to the report.

On April 23, China "strongly condemned" the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists.

"We strongly condemn the attack. China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun had told a media briefing.

"We mourn for the lives lost and express sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured," he had said.

Separately, China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, had also condemned the attack.

"Shocked by the attack in Pahalgam and condemn (it)," he had said in a post on X.

"Deep condolences for the victims and sincere sympathies to the injured and the bereaved families. Oppose terrorism in all forms," he had said.

(inputs from PTI)