An explosion near Karachi’s international airport killed two Chinese nationals on Sunday night, in what the Chinese embassy in Pakistan has described as a “terrorist attack.”
The embassy said in a statement that a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted near the airport. “The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack,” the statement read, adding that Chinese officials are working with Pakistani authorities in the aftermath.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. In an email to journalists, the BLA said it used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device to target Chinese nationals, including engineers.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that a Chinese national was also injured in the attack. “Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends,” Sharif said on social media platform X. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being.”
The attack comes as Pakistan prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Islamabad, where high-level Chinese representation is expected.
“This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Chinese interests in Pakistan,” said regional security expert Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa. “It may impact future Chinese investments in the region, particularly those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.”
The BLA, which seeks independence for Pakistan’s Balochistan province, has a history of targeting Chinese interests in the region. The group accuses Beijing of exploiting Balochistan’s resources in collaboration with Islamabad.
