China vows to rescue kidnapped citizens in Pakistan

A Pakistani man injured during the kidnapping of a Chinese couple receives medical treatment at a local hospital in Quetta, Baluchistan province, Pakistan, May 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The Pakistani police, as well as Xinhua news agency and The Dawn, also confirmed a passer-by tried to intervene; however, was shot and wounded in the leg by the kidnappers, and later hospitalized.

Currently, there are thousands of Chinese workers based in Pakistan, working to build new rail, road and power plant under the project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Some of the workers have been targeted in attacks by anti-government militants, according to a report by The Dawn.

Chinese authorities have also repeatedly urged their Pakistani counterpart to strengthen security at local companies, which would help to keep employees safe.

According to the Xinhua news agency, the couple did hire a private guard; however, he was shot and injured during resistance with the kidnappers.

Police sources told The Dawn a three-member police investigation team, led by Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Chief Aitzaz Goraya, was formed on Thursday to probe the matter. No one has stepped forward and claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

AP/Reuters/The Dawn