Memorial service held for 3 Chinese teachers killed in terrorist attack

ISLAMABAD－The Pakistani Foreign Ministry held a memorial service on Saturday for the Chinese teachers killed in the terrorist attack at the Confucius Institute of the University of Karachi on April 26.

Paying tribute to the Chinese victims, Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the country salutes their passion and dedication.

An explosion ripped through a shuttle passenger van of the institute, leaving three Chinese teachers dead, one Chinese teacher injured and several Pakistani casualties.

The Chinese victims were dedicated, caring and loving teachers pursuing the noble mission of educating Pakistani students in the Chinese language and build bridges between the peoples of the two countries, Zardari said.

"We are all shocked, anguished and saddened at this terrible loss. It is a loss for the Pakistani nation as much as it is a loss for China."

The Chinese teachers came from different backgrounds and are of various ages, but came together for a common cause with an unflinching desire to serve the timeless friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and China, Zardari said.

Pledging complete safety and maximum security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, Zardari said the nation is determined to ensure their safety and comfort.

Pakistan will not rest until the perpetrators are given exemplary punishment, he said.

Addressing the ceremony, Pang Chunxue, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Pakistan, again condemned the terrorist attack and expressed condolences for the deceased, adding that China appreciates the Pakistani government's determination to bring the culprits to justice.

The Chinese teachers killed or injured in the attack had dedicated their energy and enthusiasm to promote mutual understanding and the ironclad friendship between the two countries, she said.

"They are the cultural ambassadors between China and Pakistan, and their remarkable achievements will surely be written into the history of friendship between the two countries."

Xinhua