'Do more' says Chinese media after Karachi airport attack

Chinese media has voiced criticism of Pakistan's counterterrorism measures following last week's attack that resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals.

The attack near an airport in Pakistan's port city of Karachi was claimed by The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, raising concerns over the security of Chinese nationals in the South Asian nation.

'Do more' for security

An opinion piece published in China Daily said: "The Sunday attack should prompt them (Pakistan) to do more to improve the security situation in the country.”

It recalled that the latest attack took place after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s pledge to “hunt down the perpetrators of the March attack and bring them to justice, and better protect Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.”

Five Chinese nationals and their local driver were killed in the suicide attack in late March. The attack occurred on the main highway linking Pakistan to China.

Screenshot from Global Times

'Deeply shocked'

Global Times also published condemnation from the Chinese authorities, stating that “China is deeply shocked by the attack against Chinese citizens and strongly condemns this terrorist act.”

The article emphasized that “terrorism is a common enemy of humanity,” and reassured that “the attempts of terrorist forces to undermine China-Pakistan trust and cooperation will not succeed.”

It underscored the need for “a thorough investigation and severe punishment” for those responsible.

The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan issued a statement expressing “deep condolences to the victims of both countries” and confirmed that they were working closely with Pakistani authorities to manage the aftermath.

PM Sharif: 'No stone unturned'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s response to the attack calling it a “heinous act” was covered by People’s Daily.

"The perpetrators of this dastardly incident cannot be Pakistanis but are sworn enemies of Pakistan," he was quoted as saying.

Sharif assured that “Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends” and vowed to leave “no stone unturned” in ensuring their security.

Across Chinese media, there has been a consistent message calling for stronger cooperation between China and Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts.

CPEC threatened

However, the unusually strong tone of China Daily reflects growing concern that Pakistan’s current measures are insufficient. The opinion piece published in the daily declared that “Pakistan's counterterrorism measures have not been able to prevent terrorist attacks, with terrorist outfits continuing to threaten the projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor!”

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is part of Beijing's multi-billion-dollar ambitious Belt and Road Initiative which aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and sea routes.

Chinese media is state-owned and reflects the policy of the state.