Pakistan confirms death of 2 kidnapped Chinese nationals

A soldier stands guard near the site where two Chinese language teachers were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, in Quetta, Pakistan, May 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Monday confirmed the death of two Chinese nationals who were killed in southwestern Balochistan province days after they were kidnapped from Quetta, the provincial capital in May this year.

"The DNA reports have confirmed that the two persons killed in Balochistan in June 2017 were the same two Chinese nationals, who were kidnapped from Quetta in May, 2017," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement said the government of Pakistan expresses its deep shock and grief on the brutal act of terrorism, and extends condolences to the government and people of China and sympathies to the families of the victims.

"The Government of Pakistan would continue to conduct thorough investigation and apprehend the perpetrators of this crime and to bring them to justice," the statement said.

It said Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation.

"We are grateful to the Government of China for its strong support for our fight against the menace of terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said.

It said Pakistan will continue to work with China and the international community to enhance counter terrorism cooperation as well as regional and global peace and security.

According to reports, the couple who were teaching Chinese in Pakistan were kidnapped in May by unknown gunmen in Quetta.

The kidnappers, disguised as police, initially took away three Chinese, two women and a man, but a passerby helped one of the women escape.

The Pakistani side provided China information in June that the two abductees were "probably dead."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, speaking on the matter in June, has stressed that China opposes terrorism in any form, and that China will continue to support Pakistan's efforts to fight terrorism and safeguard national stability.

Islamic State, which controls some territory in neighboring Afghanistan, has struggled to establish a presence in Pakistan. But it has claimed several major attacks, including one on the deputy chairman of the Senate last month in Balochistan, in which 25 people were killed.