On Tuesday, a security guard at a garment factory in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial center, opened fire, injuring two Chinese nationals. This incident marks the latest in a series of attacks that have prompted Beijing to call for enhanced security measures for its citizens abroad.
In Karachi’s industrial area, a significant police presence was observed at the factory site, with forensic teams seen entering the secured premises, which had been cordoned off for investigation.
No immediate claim of responsibility has been made, nor has there been official confirmation regarding the specifics of the incident. Faizan Ali, the senior superintendent of police, confirmed to Reuters that Chinese nationals were targeted in a shooting incident, though he did not provide additional information.
A police official, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, revealed that a security guard was responsible for the shooting. According to the official, the guard remains unarrested, and determining the motive behind the shooting has proven challenging.
A representative from Liaquat National Hospital, located in the southern port city, confirmed that the facility currently treats two victims, with one reported to be in serious condition.
The recent attack comes on the heels of previous incidents, notably a bombing near Karachi’s international airport last month that resulted in the deaths of two Chinese engineers. This attack was attributed to the separatist militant group known as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).
China has intensified its long-standing calls for enhanced security measures for its citizens residing in Pakistan. During a recent gathering in Islamabad, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed that the increasing frequency of deadly attacks is intolerable.
The foreign office of Pakistan has stated that Islamabad is wholly dedicated to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and their projects and institutions. A statement released on October 31 indicated that the commitment had been communicated at the highest echelons of the Chinese government.
The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, which has persisted for decades, has resulted in a series of attacks targeting government forces, the military, and Chinese interests in the region. The militants assert their demand for an increased allocation of regional resources.
