2 Chinese nationals killed in terrorist attack near airport in Pakistan

At least two Chinese nationals were killed in a terrorist attack in Pakistan's port city of Karachi late Sunday night, officials said.

Confirming the death toll, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said, "This deplorable act of terrorism is an attack not only on Pakistan but also on the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. We remain resolute in bringing to justice those responsible for this cowardly attack, including the Majeed Brigade."

The brigade is a cell of the banned separatist outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) that claimed the attack shortly after it was reported.

A total of 10 injured individuals were brought to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), a major public hospital in the city, Dawn reported quoting a police surgeon.

"We extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, both Chinese and Pakistani, and offer prayers for the swift recovery of the injured," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry stated that "Pakistan’s security and law enforcement agencies will spare no effort in apprehending the perpetrators and their facilitators. This barbaric act will not go unpunished".

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the Chinese Embassy for coordination and facilitation. Pakistan and China are close partners and iron-brothers, united by a bond of mutual respect and shared destiny. Pakistan reaffirms it’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and will continue to work hand in hand with our Chinese brothers to defeat the forces of terror,” the statement further read.

The authorities are yet to confirm whether it was a blast carried out through an improvised explosive device (IED) or an oil tanker that blew up.

A member of the Airport Security Force ASF stands guard near the wreckage of vehicles after an explosion near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan October 6, 2024. Reuters

'Convoy carrying staff from power company'

Earlier, a Chinese Embassy statement said that a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited had been attacked around 11 p.m., killing two Chinese nationals and injuring one other. It said there were Pakistani casualties as well.

"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 (their) families," the statement said, adding the Chinese side has been working with Pakistani authorities in the aftermath.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised swift investigation into the attack.

"I strongly condemn this heinous act and offer my heartfelt condolences to the Chinese leadership & the people of China, particularly the families of the victims. May the injured recover soon," he said on X.

"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," he concluded.

Just after reports started coming in of the attack last night, the provincial home minister, Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, told a local TV station that the explosion was an attack targeting foreigners.

Videos captured cars engulfed in flames, with thick smoke billowing into the air. The area was heavily secured by military forces and sealed off from the public.

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