Two Chinese nationals were killed and one was injured in a suicide attack near Karachi’s international airport on Sunday evening, according to a statement from China’s embassy in Pakistan. This attack marks the latest in a series of violent incidents targeting Chinese personnel and investments in the country.
Massive Explosion in Pakistan Injures Several Others
Mohammad Farooq/AP
The blast, which occurred near Jinnah International Airport, Pakistan’s largest aviation hub, injured at least seven other individuals, as reported by rescue workers at the scene. The explosion was powerful enough to set vehicles on fire and was heard throughout the city.
Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility
Fareed Khan/AP
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. The group stated the attack targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors who were leaving the airport. According to the Chinese embassy, the convoy was carrying employees of an electric power company.
Pakistani Government’s Response
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, offering condolences to China’s leadership and vowing to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Pakistan. “Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends,” he said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Rising Security Challenges for Chinese Projects in Pakistan
This attack is part of a larger pattern of violence aimed at destabilizing Chinese-funded projects in Pakistan, particularly those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and has faced mounting security challenges due to local resentment, especially in Balochistan.
A Series of Attacks on Chinese Nationals
The BLA has been involved in numerous attacks targeting Chinese nationals in recent years. In March 2024, five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing, and in 2018, the group claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi. These incidents highlight the ongoing threats to Chinese investments and personnel in Pakistan.
