Karachi Blast: Death Toll Rises to Three; China Condemns Attack on Nationals
A powerful explosion near Karachi airport late Sunday night has claimed the lives of three individuals, including two Chinese nationals, and left around a dozen others injured.
The Chinese embassy in Islamabad confirmed the deaths and issued a strong condemnation of the attack. The blast targeted a convoy transporting Chinese staff from Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited, occurring near Jinnah International Airport in the Pakistani port city.
In a statement, the Chinese Embassy expressed its condolences to the victims from both countries and extended sympathies to the injured and their families. It emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and called for the harsh punishment of those responsible. The embassy also urged Pakistani authorities to implement stronger measures to protect Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects within the country.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry has also pledged to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice, according to local media reports.
Initial reports surrounding the explosion were conflicting, with some officials suggesting it was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), while others indicated it might have resulted from a vehicle collision with an oil tanker. Footage from the scene showed multiple vehicles engulfed in flames, and the Bomb Disposal Squad has been dispatched to investigate the blast’s nature.
The explosion occurred around 11:00 PM local time as the convoy was passing near the airport. The banned group Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) later claimed responsibility for the attack via social media, although this has yet to be confirmed by Pakistani authorities.
