Karachi airport blast: China seeks probe after 2 nationals killed in Pakistan ahead of SCO meet

China condemned what it called a “terrorist attack” after two Chinese nationals were killed and several were injured in a massive explosion outside Pakistan’s Karachi airport. According to Chinese news outlet Global Times, the convoy which was targeted in the Sunday attack was carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “terror attack”. The Chinese embassy also demanded stringent punishment for the perpetrators of the attack. It is pertinent to note that the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has taken responsibility for the blast. The group is notorious for targeting Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

“The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan have launched an emergency plan immediately, requesting the Pakistani side to thoroughly investigate the attack, severely punish the perpetrators, and take all necessary measures to protect the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in Pakistan. It reminds Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions,” the consulate said in a statement on Monday morning.

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“The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries and sincere sympathies to the injured and families, and are making every effort to handle the aftermath together with the Pakistani side,” the statement further reads.

China launches emergency plan

The Chinese authorities noted that they have launched an emergency plan, requesting the Pakistani side to investigate the attack and take all measures necessary to ensure the safety of the Chinese nationals, institutions and projects in Pakistan.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident and condemned what he called a “heinous act”.

“May the injured recover soon. The perpetrators of this dastardly incident cannot be Pakistanis but are sworn enemies of Pakistan. An immediate investigation is underway to identify them and bring them to justice. Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security & well-being,” the Pakistani Prime Minister said.

In March this year, five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani national were killed by a suicide bomb near the China-invested Dasu hydropower project. In 2021, nine Chinese engineers were killed in a similar attack near Dasu. The frequent attacks on Chinese nationals raise concerns among the Beijing leadership over the safety of its nationals in Pakistan.