China condemns suspected militant attacks amid Pakistan elections

ISTANBUL

China on Thursday "strongly" condemned suspected militant attacks in Pakistan as millions of eligible voters head to the polls in general elections.

"We strongly condemn the attacks (that) occurred in Pakistan, and express our condolences to the victims as well as sympathies to families of the deceased and the injured," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

"Pakistani elections are an internal affair of Pakistan and China, an all-weather strategic cooperative partner and iron-clad friend, wishes for their smooth and secure conduct," Wang added, according to Beijing-based English daily Global Times.

At least seven security personnel were killed Thursday in three different suspected militant attacks in the southwestern and northwestern provinces of Pakistan as people headed to voting stations to elect a new parliament and four provincial assemblies.