RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday extended heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences to the government and the people of China, particularly the bereaved families of Dasu incident victims.

The army chief stated this during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong who called on him at the General Headquarters, said an ISPR news release.

In the wake of the recent Dasu bus incident involving Chinese citizens, the COAS expressed sincere condolences to the government and the people of China.

The COAS said Pakistan Army greatly valued its brotherly relations with the country’s time-tested friend and assured full support and cooperation and security of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan.

The COAS said, “... while we work for peace, we need to stay strong to thwart designs of all inimical forces challenging our resolve particularly those threatening China-Pakistan strategic cooperation”.

Both the army chief and the Chinese ambassador agreed on the need for continuous engagement and coordination for peace and stability in the region.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2021