Two Chinese nationals were killed in a blast near Karachi‘s international airport on Sunday night, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan confirmed. The explosion, described as a “terrorist attack,” was claimed by the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The group said it used a vehicle-borne explosive device to target Chinese nationals, including engineers.Local broadcaster Geo News reported that at least 10 people were injured in addition to the two fatalities.
The Chinese Embassy issued a statement condemning the attack and a thorough investigation and stronger measures to protect Chinese citizens.
“The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack (and) express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries,” the statement said.
Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar informed the media that the incident appeared to be an explosion involving an oil tanker. “We are investigating the cause and circumstances of the blast, which will take some time,” he stated. He also noted that police officers were among those injured in the incident.
This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been targeted in Pakistan. In a previous attack, five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed when a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into their convoy in northwest Pakistan in March. The vehicle plunged into a ravine after the attack, highlighting the ongoing threat to Chinese citizens working on infrastructure projects in the country.
Thousands of Chinese workers are currently in Pakistan, primarily participating in Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative, which links South and Central Asia with the Chinese capital.
Balochistan has been the site of several attacks in recent months. In August, coordinated attacks in the province resulted in over 70 deaths, and the BLA continues to target Chinese workers in Pakistan.