A powerful explosion occurred near Karachi airport on Monday, killing two Chinese workers and injuring at least eight others, including Pakistani citizens. The blast shook buildings around the airport, and security forces quickly cordoned off the area, deploying military personnel.
Rahat Hussain, an employee at the civil aviation department, described the explosion as massive. “It was so big that it shook the airport’s buildings,” he said.
Provincial Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan confirmed the blast was an “attack targeting foreigners.” Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar suggested that an oil tanker explosion caused the incident, but he did not rule out terrorism. “We are investigating if there was a terrorist element involved,” he added.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the explosion in a statement sent to journalists. The group confirmed they carried out the attack using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device aimed at Chinese nationals, including engineers.
China’s Reaction:
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan condemned the attack, labeling it a “terrorist act.” According to their statement, a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was the target. The embassy is working closely with Pakistani authorities to investigate.
The embassy expressed deep condolences for the victims and extended sympathies to their families. Thousands of Chinese workers, mostly engineers, are involved in infrastructure projects across Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
BLA’s Motive:
The Baloch Liberation Army is a separatist group seeking independence for Balochistan, a province in southwestern Pakistan. The group accuses Pakistan of exploiting Balochistan’s rich mineral resources with China’s help while suppressing the local population.
The BLA has specifically targeted Chinese workers and infrastructure projects, viewing Beijing’s involvement as complicit in Pakistan’s control over the region. In the past, the group has killed Chinese nationals and even attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by ANN Media, except for the headline.)
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