A massive explosion outside Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night claimed the lives of three Chinese nationals and injured at least eight others in what has been described as a targeted terrorist attack. The deadly blast occurred near Pakistan’s largest airport, engulfing vehicles in flames and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky. The explosion, attributed to a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED), has reignited concerns about the safety of foreign nationals, particularly Chinese workers involved in Pakistan's key infrastructure projects.
Attack on Chinese Convoy
According to the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, the attack targeted a convoy carrying Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a major project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA, which has previously carried out multiple attacks on Chinese interests in the region, accused Beijing of aiding Islamabad in exploiting Balochistan's natural resources, further fueling their insurgency.
Thousands of Chinese workers are stationed in Pakistan, most of them involved in projects linked to China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), designed to enhance global trade routes. The Belt and Road Initiative includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a significant part of China's ambitious infrastructural development projects. This corridor has been the target of several terrorist attacks over the years, further highlighting security vulnerabilities.
Conflicting Reports on the Nature of the Blast
While initial reports suggested the explosion was due to an oil tanker fire, police officials have since confirmed the involvement of an IED, a tactic commonly used by the BLA. Authorities, including the Sindh provincial government, are still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the blast. Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar said, “We are determining if there was an element of terrorism involved, but we cannot rule out anything at this stage.”
Local media footage showed flames consuming vehicles and emergency responders rushing to the scene to secure the area and assist the injured. Several people, including Pakistani police officers and civilians, were among the injured, and all victims were transported to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for emergency treatment.
Rising Tensions Amid Ongoing Security Challenges
This attack comes at a time when Pakistan is preparing to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad, with the presence of high-level Chinese and Indian diplomats expected. The attack not only raises concerns about the safety of international representatives attending the summit but also highlights the ongoing security challenges that Pakistan faces, especially in regions where Chinese investments are concentrated.
The BLA has consistently targeted Chinese workers and assets in Pakistan, most notably in the resource-rich province of Balochistan, where the group has waged a long-standing insurgency. In August, coordinated attacks in the province left over 70 people dead, and in April, the group was responsible for killing seven barbers in Gwadar, a key port city critical to CPEC operations. Such attacks severely threaten the billions of dollars China has invested in Pakistan, leading to heightened security measures for Chinese nationals in the region.
Response from Chinese & Pakistani Authorities
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has condemned the attack, expressing "deep condolences" to the victims families and reaffirming cooperation with Pakistani authorities to ensure the safety of its citizens. A statement from the embassy called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice, urging Chinese nationals in Pakistan to exercise extreme caution.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding Chinese nationals working in the country. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being,” he said, promising an extensive inquiry into the incident.
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The Broader Impact on Sino-Pakistan Relations
Security concerns over CPEC projects continue to strain Pakistan's relationship with China, one of its closest allies. This latest attack underscores the ongoing challenges posed by insurgent groups like the BLA, which view China’s infrastructural investments as a threat to their independence movements.
As the country gears up to host the SCO summit, ensuring the safety of international guests and addressing the internal security threats posed by such insurgent groups will be of utmost importance. The ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, combined with attacks on Chinese nationals, could also have far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's economic stability and its ability to attract foreign investment.
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