Two Chinese Nationals Killed in Karachi Blast; BLA Claims Responsibility
Two Chinese nationals were killed in a massive blast near Karachi airport late Sunday night, in what Beijing has described as a “terror attack.” The separatist militant group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors traveling from the airport.
Blast Targets Chinese Engineers in Karachi
The explosion occurred around 11:00 pm local time (1800 GMT) on the airport motorway in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, as confirmed by the regional government of southern Sindh province on X (formerly Twitter). The blast was reportedly powerful enough to be heard across the area, raising concerns about the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan released a statement on Monday confirming the deaths of two Chinese citizens and reported that one more Chinese national, along with several Pakistani citizens, were injured in the incident. The convoy targeted was associated with the Chinese-funded Port Qasim power project.
Baloch Liberation Army Claims Attack
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group advocating for the autonomy of Pakistan’s Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack. The BLA has frequently targeted Chinese nationals and projects, arguing that local ethnic Baloch residents are not benefiting from the wealth being generated by foreign investments, particularly from China.
In its statement, the BLA said it had specifically targeted a high-level convoy of Chinese engineers and investors, further escalating its anti-China campaign in the region. The group has been opposed to the increasing Chinese investments in Balochistan, including the development of the Port Qasim power project and other infrastructure initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
China Calls for Strong Action
In response to the incident, the Chinese embassy in Pakistan called for a thorough investigation and urged Pakistani authorities to “severely punish the killers,” while also demanding stronger measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions, and projects across the country.
China has been a major investor in Pakistan, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects under the CPEC, which has made its nationals a frequent target for militant groups like the BLA.
Investigations Underway
Following the blast, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority stated that flights from Karachi airport are continuing as scheduled and that investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by foreign nationals and investment projects in Pakistan amid the threat posed by separatist and militant groups.
