BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday condemned the killing of three Chinese workers in Pakistan, and urged Pakistan to get to the bottom of the attack as soon as possible and mete out severe punishment to the criminals.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement Monday evening that the Chinese government was very concerned about the attack, and had lodged urgent representations with the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing and the Pakistani government.

Qin's comments came in response to questions concerning the shooting attack on four Chinese nationals by unknown assailants in the northwestern city of Peshawar on Sunday. Three of the four were killed and the other man severely wounded.

Qin said in the statement that China has asked the Pakistani side to provide medical treatment to the wounded man and help repatriate the bodies of the dead, and take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese in Pakistan.

The spokesman advised all Chinese in Pakistan to take precautions.