On Sunday night, an explosion near the international airport in Karachi, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals, according to a statement from the Chinese embassy in Pakistan, which characterized the incident as a “terrorist attack.”
The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed in a press statement that they carried out the explosion using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device against Chinese nationals, including engineers.
Statements from the Chinese embassy claim that an attack occurred near the airport on a convoy belonging to the Port Qasim Electric Power Company.
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan have issued a strong condemnation of the recent terrorist attack, extending heartfelt condolences to the innocent victims from both nations and offering sincere sympathies to the injured and their families. The statement further noted that the Chinese side is collaborating with Pakistani authorities in the aftermath of the incident.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan confirmed that a Chinese national sustained injuries in the incident, adding that an investigation is currently in progress.
“Pakistan has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting its Chinese allies,” he stated in a message on social media platform X. “We are committed to exploring every possible avenue to guarantee their safety and welfare.”
Islamabad, a city recently characterized by protests and clashes between police and supporters of the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Pakistan.
Authorities have committed to ensuring the success of next week’s summit, which will feature significant Chinese representation and the first visit by an Indian foreign minister in ten years.
Geo News, a prominent broadcaster in Pakistan, has reported that at least 10 individuals sustained injuries in the blast that occurred on Sunday, alongside the confirmed fatalities. The Karachi police have yet to provide a response to the request for comment.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) is advocating for the independence of Balochistan, a province situated in the southwest of Pakistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran. Coordinated attacks in the province in August claimed the lives of over 70 individuals.
The BLA has set its sights on Chinese interests, particularly the strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, alleging that Beijing is assisting Islamabad in the province’s exploitation. The situation has led to the deaths of Chinese citizens employed in the area, as well as assaults on Beijing’s consulate in Karachi.
Security concerns have significantly impacted China’s extensive investment plans, particularly those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key component of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.
In March, a tragic incident unfolded in northern Pakistan when a suicide bomber targeted a group of five Chinese engineers engaged in a hydropower project, resulting in their deaths. Despite the Pakistani Taliban’s denial of involvement in the attack, authorities have taken individuals linked to the group into custody.
