Thursday 17 April 2025
Explosion Near Karachi Airport Claims Lives of Chinese Workers
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A tragic incident occurred late Sunday night outside Karachis Jinnah International Airport, claiming the lives of two Chinese workers and injuring several others. The blast took place around 11 pm near the Karachi Airport and has been labeled as a Terrorist Attack by the Chinese Government. In response, China is now collaborating with Pakistan to address the situation and investigate the incident.
The Victims were members of a convoy transporting employees of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company. The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has confirmed that alongside the fatalities, at least ten others were injured, including four personnel from airport security. Officials have suggested that the number of casualties could increase as more details emerge.
The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the recent attack. In their statement, the organization indicated that they specifically targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors.
The BLA has previously targeted Chinese workers and interests in Pakistan, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which seeks to enhance trade through infrastructure development.
Launched in 2015, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. The CPEC was designed to link Western China with Pakistans Gwadar Port. The corridor has garnered significant investment but has also faced opposition from local groups like the BLA. The BLA contends that the project benefits Beijing and Islamabad to the detriment of local communities.
Some eyewitnesses described the explosion as exceptionally severe, with reports indicating that the sound reverberated throughout Karachi. Footage from the scene showed vehicles engulfed with flames, highlighting the severity of the incident. Initial reports from the Sindh provincial government suggested that an oil tanker may have exploded. Later, it was clarified to belinked to an improvised explosive device.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar announced that an investigation is underway to determine the causes of the incident, maintaining ongoing communication with police to ascertain the facts. The Pakistani government has faced scrutiny in the past for its management of security in regions affected by separatist violence.
The Chinese government has called for a thorough investigation and urged its citizens in Pakistan to take extra precautions. The embassy expressed deep condolences for the innocent victims and has demanded accountability from those who are responsible for the attack.
The tragic incident occurred merely days before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad. The SCO summit focuses on regional security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Taliban, who governs neighboring Afghanistan has also expressed their views on the escalating tensions in Pakistan, indicating that the government needs to tackle the grievances of its citizens.
This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence against Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Previous incidents include a suicide bombing in April 2022 that claimed the lives of three Chinese language teachers and their Pakistani driver. In March 2023, a suicide attack killed nine security officers and wounded at least 13 people. These incidents highlight the persistent dangers encountered by foreign workers in Pakistan, particularly those involved in major infrastructure initiatives.
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