Pakistan will restrict the movement of Chinese nationals during the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit due to heightened security risks following a recent attack targeting Chinese engineers, security officials said.
The decision comes after a deadly bombing near Karachi’s international airport last Sunday, which killed multiple Chinese nationals. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a powerful “pro-independence” armed group, claimed responsibility for the attack.
The BLA said that a suicide bomber from its Majeed Brigade, identified as Shah Fahad Badini, carried out the bombing. The group claimed that over five Chinese nationals were killed and 12 others injured, along with at least 15 Pakistani security personnel.
The meeting of the SCO, which comprises nine full members, including China, India, Iran and Russia, is scheduled for Oct. 15 and 16 in Islamabad. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to arrive in the city prior to the meeting.
An official security alert, shared with Pakistani agencies and quoted by Reuters, said: “Orders have been received from concerned authority that Chinese move of all types including intra-city/ inter-city/ airport etc to be ceased from 14 to 17 Oct 24 in connection with SCO summit and various delegations visit.”
“All concerned to make sure that Chinese are conveyed it in advance so that important moves are adjusted before that. No violations will be accepted during this period,” the alert said.
The Karachi bombing is the latest in a series of attacks on Chinese nationals that began in August 2018, when the BLA targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers in Dalbandin.
The BLA described last Sunday’s attack as a response to China’s continued involvement in Balochistan despite previous warnings to withdraw. The group reiterated its intention to target Chinese interests unless Beijing halts its projects in the region and ceases its support for Pakistan.
Additional input from Reuters