Pakistan today unequivocally condemned a deadly armed drone strike that killed three Chinese nationals in Tajikistan, describing the incident as a heinous terrorist attack and highlighting the grave threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghanistan.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad expressed its deepest condolences and staunch solidarity with the governments and people of the People’s Republic of China and Tajikistan following the loss of precious lives near the Tajik-Afghan border.

The government noted that the use of armed drones in the “cowardly” attack underscores the gravity of the peril emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those responsible.

As a nation that has repeatedly endured terrorist assaults orchestrated from Afghan soil, the people of Pakistan fully comprehend and share the grief and anguish of their Chinese and Tajik partners.

The statement raised serious concerns over the persistent use of Afghan territory by terrorist elements, asserting their continued presence is under the “patronage of the Afghan Taliban regime.” This situation was described as a matter of significant apprehension for the entire region and the wider international community.

Islamabad has called for “concrete and verifiable action” against the perpetrators, abettors, facilitators, and financiers of terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan, stating this is the only effective way to address the escalating menace.

Pakistan affirmed its commitment to continue working in close collaboration with China, Tajikistan, and other regional allies to foster peace, stability, and security in the shared neighbourhood.