Tragic Explosion Near Karachi Airport Claims Lives and Injures Many
A devastating explosion occurred close to Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and injuring at least ten others.
Details of the Incident
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan has reported that there were “some local casualties” linked to what it termed a “terrorist attack,” although the total number of fatalities remains uncertain. The embassy indicated that the blast specifically targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers engaged in a power generation project within Sindh province.
The separatist group known as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for this incident. This organization has previously conducted attacks against Chinese individuals involved in various projects across Pakistan.
In an official statement released on Monday, BLA claimed they had “targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors” arriving from Karachi airport. According to reports from Reuters, they executed this attack using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED). The explosion took place around 11:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT).
Context Behind the Attack
The engineers affected by this incident were part of Port Qasim Power Generation Co Ltd., which is working on constructing two coal-fired power plants at Port Qasim near Karachi. This initiative is integral to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which funds numerous infrastructure and energy projects throughout Pakistan’s resource-rich Balochistan province.
For years, groups like the BLA have been engaged in an insurgency seeking autonomy for ethnic Baloch people, often targeting foreign nationals due to grievances over local wealth distribution stemming from foreign investments.
In light of these events, the Chinese embassy urged its citizens and businesses operating within Pakistan to remain vigilant and implement safety measures diligently. They also pledged to conduct a thorough investigation into this attack while promising severe repercussions for those responsible.
Security Measures Intensified Amidst Ongoing Threats
As security concerns rise ahead of an upcoming leaders’ summit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), authorities have increased protective measures across various regions in Pakistan. Witnesses reported hearing explosions throughout different parts of Karachi; media footage depicted thick smoke rising into the sky alongside vehicles engulfed in flames.
Sindh’s Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar suggested that an improvised explosive device was likely responsible for causing such destruction. Images circulating online show emergency responders examining debris at ground zero where multiple vehicles suffered extensive damage due to the blast.
Dr. Summaiya, a police surgeon speaking with Dawn news outlet, confirmed that ten injured individuals—one critically wounded—were transported to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College (JPMC). Among those hurt were both police personnel and civilians including women.
A statement shared via X from Sindh’s Interior Minister’s office noted that an explosion involving what appeared to be a tanker truck occurred along Airport Road; officials are currently coordinating with Malir Senior Superintendent regarding further details about this tragic event while emphasizing their need for clarity surrounding circumstances leading up to it.
Despite these alarming developments, operations at Jinnah International Airport continued without disruption following initial reports about potential threats posed by such incidents nearby.
This latest assault follows previous attacks attributed to BLA targeting significant locations associated with CPEC initiatives—including one notable incident back in April 2022 when three Chinese educators along with their Pakistani driver lost their lives during suicide bombing near Karachi University’s Confucius Institute.
