A suspected suicide bombing near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday night resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and at least ten others being injured. The incident, which also left a third unidentified body that may be the attacker, occurred around 11:00 PM local time.
The Chinese embassy in Pakistan described the attack as an act of terrorism targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers who were involved in a power project in the Sindh province. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group known for targeting Chinese nationals involved in development projects across Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.
In a statement released on Monday, the BLA confirmed the attack had targeted a convoy carrying Chinese engineers and investors who had just arrived from Karachi airport. The group later elaborated that the attack had been a suicide bombing, with the attacker identified as Shah Fahad, a member of their Majeed Brigade, a suicide squad. The bombing was carried out using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), according to reports from Reuters.
The explosion, which was reportedly heard throughout various parts of Karachi, caused significant damage, including burning several vehicles. Footage from local media showed smoke billowing from the site, while emergency responders and firefighters worked to manage the aftermath. Security officials were seen examining the wreckage, with images showing the extent of destruction caused by the blast.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act” and expressing his condolences to the Chinese people. In a post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to protecting Chinese nationals working in the country. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy urged its citizens and businesses in Pakistan to remain vigilant and take extra security precautions. The embassy also expressed hope that the Pakistani authorities would thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
The convoy targeted in the attack belonged to Port Qasim Power Generation Co Ltd, a Chinese-funded project that aims to construct two coal-fired power plants at Port Qasim, located near Karachi. This project is part of the larger China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The CPEC aims to create a network of infrastructure and energy projects between the two nations, with thousands of Chinese workers stationed in Pakistan to oversee and work on these developments.
Balochistan, a region rich in natural resources like gas and minerals, has been the site of a long-running insurgency led by various ethnic Baloch groups, including the BLA. These groups demand a separate homeland and have regularly attacked Chinese nationals in the region. They argue that the local population is not benefiting from the wealth generated by foreign investments, which is a central reason for their opposition to Chinese involvement in local development projects.
Following the explosion, local authorities sealed off roads leading to the airport, though operations at Jinnah International Airport continued as usual on Monday. The incident has also prompted heightened security measures in Pakistan as the country prepares to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit.
Dr. Summaiya, a police surgeon, confirmed to Dawn News that ten injured individuals, including one in critical condition, were taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College (JPMC). Among the injured were a police constable and a woman. Authorities are investigating the attack, and Sindh’s Interior Minister stated that a “tanker truck” had exploded on Airport Road, prompting the minister to remain in contact with senior police officials.
This attack is the latest in a series of assaults on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, particularly those associated with the CPEC. In recent years, the BLA has been responsible for multiple attacks targeting Chinese interests. In March 2024, the group attacked a Pakistani naval airbase near Gwadar port, a key feature of the CPEC. In April 2022, a suicide bombing claimed the lives of three Chinese tutors and a Pakistani driver near Karachi University’s Confucius Institute. Prior to that, in November 2018, gunmen attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of at least four people.
As China continues to expand its presence in Pakistan through infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the BLA and other Baloch separatist groups remain fiercely opposed, citing concerns over the distribution of local resources and the exclusion of ethnic Baloch from benefiting from these investments. The ongoing tension has led to numerous violent incidents, with Chinese nationals frequently being the targets of these attacks.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative has seen massive investments in Pakistan, with projects such as the Gwadar port and various energy plants aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure. However, these projects have also attracted militant groups like the BLA, who argue that the benefits of these investments are not being shared with local communities, particularly in Balochistan. The BLA’s insurgency is rooted in long-standing grievances over economic marginalization and resource exploitation by both the Pakistani state and foreign investors.
The attack on the Chinese convoy in Karachi highlights the continued vulnerability of Chinese nationals working on development projects in Pakistan. Despite security assurances from the Pakistani government, militant groups remain a significant threat to Chinese interests in the region. With the BLA’s claim of responsibility for the suicide bombing, it is clear that the insurgency is far from over, and Chinese nationals, particularly those involved in high-profile projects like the CPEC, remain prime targets.
As Pakistan grapples with ongoing security challenges, including the rise of militant groups like the BLA, the country faces increased pressure to protect its foreign partners. China’s role in Pakistan’s development, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative, is seen as crucial for the country’s economic future. However, the persistent threat of violence against Chinese nationals underscores the difficulties in ensuring the safety of foreign workers in regions plagued by insurgencies and separatist movements.
The Chinese government has repeatedly expressed concerns over the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, particularly in the wake of attacks like the one in Karachi. The embassy’s call for increased vigilance among Chinese nationals and businesses reflects the growing unease over security conditions in Pakistan, especially in areas where Chinese development projects are underway.
With the BLA continuing to target Chinese nationals, it remains to be seen how the Pakistani government will address these security concerns. The incident in Karachi serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing both Pakistan and China as they work to advance their economic partnership in a region marked by instability and conflict.
