Blast Near Karachi Airport Kills Two Chinese Nationals.

 

Two Chinese nationals were killed, and at least 10 others injured in a suspected suicide bombing near Pakistan's Karachi airport. A third body, believed to be that of the attacker, has yet to be officially identified.

The explosion, which occurred on Sunday night, was described by the Chinese embassy in Pakistan as a "terrorist attack" targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a power project in Sindh province. The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), known for attacks on Chinese nationals involved in development projects, claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement on Monday, the BLA confirmed it had "targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors" who had just arrived from Karachi airport. The group later described it as a suicide bombing, identifying the perpetrator as Shah Fahad, a member of the BLA's suicide squad, Majeed Brigade. The attack involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and occurred around 11:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT).

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous act" and expressing his condolences to the Chinese people. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to protecting Chinese nationals, saying, "Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends."

The country's foreign ministry vowed to hold those responsible accountable, declaring, "This act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China."

The Chinese embassy confirmed that the engineers were part of the Chinese-funded Port Qasim Power Generation Co Ltd, which is constructing two coal power plants near Karachi. The project is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which includes numerous infrastructure and energy developments in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan.

Baloch separatist groups, including the BLA, have long opposed foreign investment in the region, claiming the local ethnic Baloch population has not benefitted from the province’s natural resources. The BLA has frequently targeted Chinese nationals in protest of Beijing’s investments.

Following the attack, the Chinese embassy urged Chinese citizens and enterprises in Pakistan to remain vigilant and take safety precautions, while also urging Pakistan to investigate thoroughly and "severely punish the murderer."

The blast was heard in multiple parts of the city, with footage showing thick smoke and vehicles set ablaze. Security officials and firefighters were seen inspecting the scene, with several vehicles charred by the explosion. 

Dr. Summaiya, a police surgeon, told *Dawn News* that 10 injured individuals, including a police officer and a woman, were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, with one person in critical condition. 

Sindh's Interior Minister's office confirmed that a "tanker truck" had exploded on Airport Road. Roads leading to Karachi's Jinnah International Airport were sealed off after the blast, though airport operations resumed as normal on Monday. Security across the city was tightened as Pakistan prepared to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit.

The BLA has carried out several attacks on Chinese nationals in recent years, including the 2022 suicide bombing at Karachi University that killed three Chinese tutors, and the 2018 assault on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, which left four people dead.

 With additional reporting by Zahra Fatima, BBC News.