BEIJING (TIP): China has stepped up pressure on Pakistani authorities “to take every necessary measure” to rescue a Chinese couple who were abducted near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province which also houses the Gwadar port.

The couple who teach the Chinese language at a local school were kidnapped on Wednesday by three men posing as policemen at Jinnah city near Quetta, Pakistani media said. The husband and wife team were forced to board a white car by the kidnappers at gun point, it said. The police have found no clues about the whereabouts of the abductors although a high-power investigation group is looking at it.

“We keep close communication with Pakistan, request relevant Pakistani authorities to take every necessary measure to rescue the abducted while ensuring their safety and take more effective measures to secure the safety of Chinese citizens and organs in Pakistan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday

China has been repeatedly telling Pakistani authorities to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens as part of the security arrangements for the $46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

“The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of overseas Chinese citizens and condemns the abduction of personnel in any form,” Lu said adding, “After the incident happened, the Chinese government, along with relevant departments, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan and the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi, immediately launched the emergency response mechanism”. (AP)