BEIJING - Pakistan on Wednesday assured a thorough investigation into the murder of a Chinese woman that was shot dead in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhooonkhwa on Tuesday.

"I am deeply shocked by the killing of a Chinese national in Peshawar yesterday. We strongly condemn this tragic incident and extend our condolences to bereaved family," said Ambassador Masood Khan in a statement.

"The Government of Pakistan attaches highest importance to the safety and security of Chinese citizens and their businesses in Pakistan.

"We are thoroughly investigating the incident and will spare no effort to track down the culprits," Khan noted.

Earlier, at the routine press briefing, this afternoon, the Spokesman of China's Foreign Office, Hong Lei said that the Foreign Ministry of China takes this issue seriously.

He said following the incident the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan immediately launched a contingency mechanism and sent staff to the scene Wednesday night to assist the follow up matters.

Hong further said that at the same time, it also called upon the Pakistani side to investigate the case and spare no effort to bring the perpetrators to the justice and take credible measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and nationals in Pakistan.

"Currently the investigation by the Pakistani side is still continuing," he concluded.

As per media reports, a Chinese woman named Jiang Hua, aged 42, was shot dead along with her Pakistani companion in the downtown area of the provincial capital on Tuesday.