Two Chinese Nationals Killed in Karachi Blast, Baloch Liberation Army Claims Responsibility

Two Chinese nationals were killed in an explosion near the international airport in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday night, in what the Chinese embassy has condemned as a “terrorist attack.” The incident occurred when a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted near the airport, leading to multiple casualties.

The separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack in an email to journalists, stating that it used a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) to target Chinese nationals, including engineers working in the area. The BLA is known for its insurgent activities in Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan and has a history of targeting Chinese interests in the region.

Pakistan’s Geo News reported that at least 10 people were injured in the blast, in addition to the fatalities. While the exact nature of the explosion remains unclear, provincial officials are investigating the incident. Karachi police did not immediately provide a comment on the attack.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy expressed outrage and condemned the violence: “The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries, and extend sincere sympathies to the injured and their families.” The embassy further emphasized that they are working closely with Pakistani authorities in the wake of the attack.

The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan, has long opposed Chinese involvement in Pakistan, particularly with regard to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and projects like the strategic port of Gwadar. The group accuses China of aiding Pakistan in exploiting Balochistan’s resources. In recent years, the BLA has escalated its attacks on Chinese nationals, including a 2018 attack on Beijing’s consulate in Karachi and other deadly assaults on Chinese citizens working in the region.

This latest attack highlights the ongoing tensions in the area and the significant security risks faced by foreign nationals involved in infrastructure projects in Pakistan.