ISLAMABAD, Oct 14: President Gen Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday conveyed condolences to the Chinese government and people over the death of a kidnapped Chinese engineer in South Waziristan and vowed that the masterminds of the kidnapping would be meted out severe punishment.

In a message to his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao, the president vowed that the masterminds behind the episode would be meted out severe punishment. He expressed the nation's shock, indignation and sorrow at the hostage-taking incident involving two Chinese engineers working on the Gomal Zam Dam project.

"Our hearts go out in sympathy to the families of our Chinese friend who, despite our best efforts, fell victim to this sordid terrorist act. In this hour of grief the entire Pakistani nation shares the pain of its Chinese friends," he said.

The president said the hostage-takers and their accomplices had committed the "most heinous crime, which was evidently aimed at undermining the historic friendship between our two peoples.

"In doing so, they not only under-estimated the unshakeable foundations of our friendship but also have further fortified our shared resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," he said.

The safety and security of all Chinese nationals in Pakistan would be ensured and all necessary measures in this regard would be taken, he said. Prime Minister Aziz, in a message to the prime minister of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Wen Jiabao, said: "The government and the people of Pakistan share the pain of the Chinese people and in particular the sufferings of the members of the bereaved family."

He said the act was perpetrated on the mistaken belief that it could undermine the friendship and bonds of goodwill and solidarity between the people of the two countries.

The incident had strengthened the resolve to pursue, with greater vigour, the campaign against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, he said. "I wish to assure you that all those involved in this sinister act will be tracked and meted out the most severe punishment," he said.

"We will also ensure the safety and security of all Chinese nationals in Pakistan," he said. He said Pakistan greatly appreciated the valuable contribution made by the Chinese nationals working here for the country's economic development.