A massive blast outside the Karachi airport in southern Pakistan killed two Chinese workers and injured at least eight others in the latest deadly attack on Chinese nationals in the country. The blast occurred near Pakistan’s largest airport, with video footage showing cars engulfed in flames and a thick column of smoke rising from the scene. The Chinese Embassy confirmed that a convoy carrying Chinese staff had been attacked, resulting in the death of two workers and injuries to others, including Pakistanis. The attack targeted the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, with Chinese nationals in Pakistan mostly involved in Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at improving trade routes.
The attack on the Karachi airport follows a series of deadly incidents in August that killed over 50 people in Balochistan province, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif linking these attacks to Chinese-funded development projects in the region. Balochistan has a history of separatist insurgency, with grievances centered around claims of unfair exploitation of the province’s resources by the federal government. The blast in Karachi was described as significant enough to shake the airport’s buildings, with officials identifying it as an attack targeting foreigners. The Chinese Embassy denounced the incident as a terrorist attack and expressed condolences to the victims while calling for a thorough investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Local authorities, including the provincial home minister and the inspector general, visited the blast site but did not provide details to the media. Initial assessments by law enforcement suggested the explosion may have been caused by an oil tanker, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact nature and reasons behind the blast. Police officers were among the injured in the incident, which was deemed part of a series of attacks targeting Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Previous incidents in 2022, including a suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers and a Pakistani driver, highlight the ongoing security risks faced by foreign workers in the country.
The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack and reiterated the need for safety precautions for Chinese citizens in the country. The incident adds to a string of attacks on Chinese workers in Pakistan, including a suicide bombing earlier in the year that targeted Japanese workers in Karachi, resulting in a bystander’s death. The collaboration between China and Pakistan in handling the aftermath of the attack demonstrates the challenges faced by foreign workers in the region, particularly those involved in large-scale infrastructure projects. The government of Pakistan has vowed to investigate the blast thoroughly and hold the perpetrators accountable for the violence against Chinese nationals and others in the country.
The ongoing security threats faced by foreign workers in Pakistan underscores the need for increased vigilance and coordinated efforts between governments to ensure the safety of individuals involved in development projects. The attack on Chinese workers at the Karachi airport is a grim reminder of the risks faced by those engaged in international cooperation, particularly in regions with complex security dynamics. The Chinese Embassy’s swift condemnation of the attack and calls for a thorough investigation signal a commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and holding those responsible accountable. As Pakistan continues to grapple with security challenges, the incident highlights the importance of maintaining a robust security infrastructure to protect both domestic and foreign workers in the country.
