Karachi Airport Blast: Two Chinese Nationals Killed, Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility

INDC Network : World News : In a tragic incident near Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, two Chinese nationals were killed and ten others injured in a deadly explosion on Sunday night. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an insurgent group active in Pakistan, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosion, which has been described as a "terrorist attack," specifically targeted Chinese engineers and other citizens working on various infrastructure projects in the country, most of which are part of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The BLA claimed it used a vehicle-borne explosive device in the attack.

The explosion took place in the vicinity of the airport, with early reports suggesting it may have been a vehicular accident. However, further investigation revealed that it was an orchestrated attack. According to local broadcaster Geo News, the death toll includes two Chinese citizens, and among the ten injured are police officers who were present at the scene. This attack is not the first of its kind in Pakistan, as Chinese nationals working on key infrastructure projects have increasingly become targets of militant groups.

The Chinese embassy in Pakistan swiftly condemned the attack, calling it a "terrorist act" and expressing deep condolences for the victims. In its official statement, the embassy called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged Pakistani authorities to enhance security measures for Chinese nationals, particularly those involved in BRI-related projects. "The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan express deep condolences for the victims of this terrorist attack and demand swift action to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan," the statement read.

Pakistani authorities, meanwhile, are still investigating the exact cause of the explosion. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East Azfar Mahesar said initial reports suggested that the explosion occurred due to a blast in an oil tanker. However, further inquiries are being made to determine the nature of the explosive device used. He also mentioned that the injured included several police officers who were in the vicinity during the explosion.

This attack is part of a disturbing trend in Pakistan, where Chinese citizens have been increasingly targeted. In March, a suicide bombing in Pakistan's northwestern region killed five Chinese nationals, along with their Pakistani driver. That attack, also carried out by the BLA, raised concerns about the safety of the thousands of Chinese workers currently stationed in Pakistan for infrastructure projects.

Most of these projects are part of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of China's global Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect South and Central Asia with Beijing. The projects have made Chinese engineers and workers frequent targets of insurgent groups, particularly in regions like Balochistan, where the BLA operates. The BLA, which has been engaged in a long-standing insurgency against the Pakistani state, has repeatedly opposed Chinese investments in the region, viewing them as exploitative and detrimental to local populations.

In recent months, Balochistan has witnessed an increase in coordinated attacks. In August alone, over 70 people were killed in separate attacks across the province, highlighting the deteriorating security situation. This latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed to Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects in Pakistan, particularly in regions where insurgencies are active.