KARACHI – Chinese Embassy on Sunday confirmed the deaths of two Chinese citizens and injuries to at least ten others in a blast near Jinnah International Airport in port city of Karachi.
The attack targeted a convoy transporting staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company around 11 PM local time, the embassy said in a statement on its site.
Besides the death of two nationals, one Chinese man along with several local individuals suffered injuries in the attack. The embassy condemned the incident as a terrorist attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families, pledging cooperation with Pakistani authorities to address the aftermath.
Chinese embassy said the convoy was transporting Chinese engineers involved in a power project in Sindh province. In response, they have activated an emergency plan, calling for a thorough investigation and urging Pakistani officials to enhance security measures for Chinese citizens and enterprises.
Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they specifically targeted a “high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors.” The group identified the attacker as Shah Fahad, a member of their Majeed Brigade, who rammed vehicle-borne IED.
Port Qasim Power Generation project, which aims to construct two coal power plants, is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a significant initiative funding various infrastructure projects in Balochistan, a region rich in natural resources.
Chinese Embassy advised its citizens in Pakistan to remain vigilant and has committed to thoroughly investigating the incident to ensure accountability for the attackers.