A separatist group in Pakistan, known as the Baloch Liberation Army, has claimed responsibility for a bombing targeting a convoy with Chinese nationals outside the largest airport in Karachi. This attack resulted in the death of two Chinese workers and injured eight people, including police officers who were escorting the convoy. The explosion, which the BLA claimed was carried out by a suicide bomber, raises concerns about the security of foreigners in Pakistan and the ability of Pakistani forces to prevent such high-profile incidents.
Videos broadcast by Pakistani news channels showed flames engulfing cars and thick smoke rising from the scene of the attack. The area was cordoned off by troops and police as counterterrorism officials launched an investigation into how the attacker was able to reach Karachi. The Baloch Liberation Army, primarily based in Balochistan province, has a history of targeting both foreigners and security forces in Pakistan. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad confirmed that the attack targeted Chinese staff from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company, a joint venture between China and Pakistan.
Pakistani security authorities had cleared the road outside the airport prior to the Chinese convoy’s movement, which was being escorted by police and security officials. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing as a “heinous terrorist attack” and vowed to punish the perpetrators. He expressed condolences to the Chinese leadership and people and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding Chinese nationals. The BLA, designated as a terrorist organization by Pakistan and the United States, is estimated to have around 3,000 fighters and has targeted both Pakistani security forces and Chinese nationals in the past.
The attack on the Chinese convoy comes ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Islamabad, a security grouping founded by China and Russia. Pakistan hosts thousands of Chinese workers as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, leading to concerns about the safety and security of Chinese nationals in the country. The BLA, which seeks independence for Balochistan, a resource-rich but least populated province, has warned against Chinese involvement in the region. Previous attacks, like the deadly incidents in August 2022 and the bombing targeting Chinese engineers in Balochistan earlier in the year, highlight the challenges faced by foreign nationals working on development projects in Pakistan.
Incidents like the suicide bombing in March that killed Chinese engineers in northwestern Pakistan and the bombing targeting Japanese workers in Karachi underscore the security risks faced by foreign workers in the country. Despite government efforts to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, attacks by separatist and militant groups continue to pose a threat. With the upcoming summit and ongoing infrastructure projects involving Chinese workers, the need for heightened security measures and greater cooperation between Pakistan and China is essential to prevent further violent incidents targeting foreigners.
