Premier Li Keqiang held a phone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on July 16.

On behalf of the Pakistani government and people, Imran Khan extended sincere condolences to the Chinese government in regards to the Chinese casualties caused by the latest terrorism attack in Pakistan, expressed deep sympathy for the victims’ families, and reported on the current investigation and dealing with the aftermath.

Premier Li expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s quick rescue actions and investigation after the incident, while stressing the Chinese government has attached great importance to the safety of overseas Chinese people and institutions.

He urged solid efforts to save the injured, reduce casualties as much as possible and properly handle the aftermath of the incident.

The Premier expressed hopes that Pakistan could offer assistance to the Chinese work team that has arrived in Pakistan and intends to work closely with its Pakistani counterpart. All necessary means must be adopted to unveil the truth and facts in a careful, responsible and accurate manner, he added, stressing that justice must be brought to the terrorists.

China also hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to strengthen safety protection over the Chinese people and institutions in Pakistan to avoid similar incidents, he added.

Noting the complicated and continuously-changing international and regional situations, China highly values China-Pakistan ties, Premier Li said.

As all-weather strategic partners, Premier Li added, China is willing to beef up strategic communication and coordination with Pakistan, deepen pragmatic cooperation, safeguard regional peace and security, and provide a better life to the people of both sides.

Pakistan is devoting every effort to rescue the injured around the clock, Imran Khan echoed, and it will spare no efforts for a thorough investigation into the incident and bring the culprit to justice as soon as possible. And Pakistan is willing to pull together with the Chinese working group for the investigation.

Imran Khan said Pakistan attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions within its borders, and it will continue to cement security measures to ensure safe and smooth operation of Pakistan-China joint projects.

He Lifeng, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, also attended the event.