Beijing has called for a comprehensive investigation following a terrorist attack on a convoy carrying Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night. The attack resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injured another, with initial reports indicating that seven additional people were injured and at least eight vehicles were damaged.
In a statement released early Monday, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep condolences to the victims’ families and pledging to work closely with Pakistani authorities to manage the aftermath. The embassy has activated an emergency response plan, urging Pakistan to thoroughly investigate the incident, punish the perpetrators, and increase security measures for Chinese citizens and projects in the country.
The embassy also advised Chinese citizens and enterprises in Pakistan to remain vigilant and strengthen their security precautions.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, emphasizing that the attack was not only against Pakistan but also against the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. The FO vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, including those associated with the Majeed Brigade and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of Chinese nationals and projects.
The powerful explosion, which occurred just outside Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, was claimed by the separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). The group stated that the attack was carried out using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device targeting Chinese nationals, including engineers.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the provision of the best medical care for the injured and requested a detailed report on the incident from the Sindh police chief.
Chinese engineers have been involved in numerous projects in Pakistan, with Beijing investing over $65 billion in infrastructure as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under its Belt and Road initiative. Chinese nationals have previously been targeted by militant groups in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing in March that killed five Chinese officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and an attempted attack on the Gwadar Port Authority thwarted by security forces.
