On a recent evening in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, a devastating explosion targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers, leading to the tragic deaths of two Chinese nationals and leaving at least ten others injured. Reports indicate that the body of a third individual, still unidentified, may belong to the assailant.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has condemned the incident as a “terrorist attack,” noting that the explosion occurred near Karachi airport and specifically targeted workers involved in a power project in Sindh province. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group with a history of attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the assault.
In their statement shortly after the attack, the BLA declared that they had “targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors” arriving from the airport. They identified the attacker as Shah Fahad, a member of the BLA’s suicide squad known as the Majeed Brigade. The group stated that the explosion was the result of a “vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.” This violent act struck just after 11 PM local time on Sunday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, described the attack as a “heinous act” and extended his condolences to the Chinese people. Through a message on social media platform X, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to safeguarding its Chinese partners. The country’s foreign ministry has vowed to maintain close communication with Chinese authorities and has committed to bringing those responsible to justice. They characterized this attack not only as a crime against Pakistan but also as a direct assault on the friendship between Pakistan and China.
The engineers targeted in the attack were employed by the Chinese-funded Port Qasim Power Generation Company, which is working on the construction of two coal power plants at Port Qasim, near Karachi. Currently, thousands of Chinese nationals are in Pakistan, many involved in developing an economic corridor under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which encompasses various infrastructure and energy projects, particularly in the resource-rich Balochistan province.
The BLA, along with other ethnic Baloch organizations, has long been engaged in a struggle for autonomy, often targeting Chinese nationals. Their grievances are rooted in the belief that local communities are not reaping benefits from the wealth generated by foreign investments in their region. In light of the attack, the Chinese embassy has advised its citizens and businesses in Pakistan to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. They expressed hope for a thorough investigation and accountability for the assailants.
Witnesses reported that the explosion could be heard across the city, with local media broadcasting images of thick smoke and damaged vehicles. Emergency responders and security personnel were swiftly deployed to the scene to assess the damage, which included several vehicles burned in the blast.
Dr. Summaiya, a police surgeon, confirmed that ten individuals, including one in critical condition, were transported to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. The injured included a police constable and a woman.
In the aftermath of the explosion, authorities sealed off roads leading to Jinnah International Airport, although operations at the airport continued without disruption. Additional security measures have been implemented in anticipation of the upcoming leaders’ summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
This incident highlights a troubling trend of assaults against Chinese nationals in Pakistan, with the BLA claiming responsibility for several such attacks, including a significant bombing near Gwadar port in March and a fatal attack on Chinese educators in April 2022.
The ongoing violence raises serious concerns about the safety of foreign workers in Pakistan and the potential implications for international partnerships in the region.
